Tasmania (TAS) follows a progressive system of handwriting instruction that consists of a simplified print style called “beginner’s alphabet” and a semi-joined cursive known as Tasmania Handwriting Style. The system is based on the state’s Department of Education publication Handwriting, first published in 2009 and updated in 2016.
After students learn to write lowercase and uppercase letters in “beginner’s alphabet” , they are taught how to make exit strokes in letters in Year 2, and once they start showing signs of joining letters, proper linking techniques are taught from the beginning of Year 3. In middle school, students are encouraged to develop their personal handwriting style that is legible and fluent, and may learn speed loops for fast handwriting. In developing their style, students may use embellishments, explore alternate styles and/or experiment with writing tools.
Lowercase letters are based on the foundational shape of a slanted oval, and extenders are medium length. The lowercase “t” is shorter than other letters with ascenders, and numerals are as tall as the x-height. Uppercase letters follow print style conventions, and don’t join with lowercase letters. A recognisable feature of this model is that the letter “d” is drawn with an exit stroke even in the “beginner’s alphabet” while the “a” is not.
