The cursive letter ‘s’ stands as a basic element of elegant handwriting. Students typically learn this letter first as they develop their cursive skills. Teachers describe the cursive ‘s’ as simple to learn with the right guidance and practice. This makes it a great starting point for anyone beginning their handwriting trip.
Students need to understand specific stroke patterns and techniques to write both capital and lowercase ‘s’ in cursive. K5 Learning’s educational resources are now available in more than 100 countries. Their specialized worksheets show the cursive ‘s’ in many forms. Arrow guidelines, dotted letters, and tracing guides in these materials help students form the cursive letter ‘s’ correctly.
Teaching styles like D’Nealian and Zaner-Bloser show different ways to write an ‘s’ in cursive. These standard methods give writers of all ages a well-laid-out path to learn both lowercase and capital cursive forms. This piece provides step-by-step instructions to become skilled at writing the cursive ‘s’. You’ll find common mistakes to avoid and practical exercises that will help you develop fluid, confident handwriting.
Table of Contents
Understanding the Basics of Cursive S
Cursive writing changes ordinary letters into flowing art forms. The letter S shows this transformation perfectly. Students need to understand the cursive S’s subtle details as they move beyond simple handwriting to develop smooth penmanship.
What makes cursive S unique
The cursive S is different from its printed version in its flowing connections and continuous strokes. Letters combine smoothly in cursive writing to create a continuous flow that lets you write faster. The S in cursive shows this through its carefully crafted curves.
The cursive S has an interesting history. Old documents often show what people called the “long s,” which writers used at the start or middle of words. You can see this historical form in important documents like the first line of the Bill of Rights.
The cursive S plays a key role in developing handwriting skills:
- Writers learn to create smooth curves and flowing loops naturally
- Learning this letter helps write other curved letters better
- Its graceful shape adds beauty to cursive writing
The cursive S balances simplicity and grace. Unlike other complex cursive letters, S keeps its familiar form while showing the flowing style that makes cursive special.
Differences between capital and lowercase S in cursive
Capital S and lowercase s in cursive each have unique features that serve different purposes:
Capital S in cursive:
- Looks like its print version but has a hook to connect letters
- Starts at the bottom line, curves up right, loops left, curves down, and ends with a small tail
- Won’t connect to the next letter in a word
- Students find it one of the easier capital letters to learn in cursive
Lowercase s in cursive:
- Looks like a “little sail” with a line that connects to the next letter
- Begins at the bottom, curves up to the midline, loops left, then extends right
- Connects to other letters to help write without stopping
- Teachers often teach this letter early when students start learning cursive
These two forms look different because they serve different purposes. The lowercase s appears more often in text and needs to connect easily, while the capital S needs to be both recognizable and flowing.
Different cursive styles change how the S looks. Modern D’Nealian style writes the S differently than the traditional, fancier Zaner-Bloser style. These changes affect both capital and lowercase forms.
People often add their own style to the cursive S. Some write their lowercase s with round loops, which handwriting experts say might show a desire to please others. Sharp, pointed forms might reveal someone who likes to ask questions and aims high.
How to Write Capital S in Cursive
A perfect capital S in cursive needs precision, practice, and proper technique. Learning this elegant letter helps you write better and builds a strong base to learn other cursive letters. Let’s see exactly how to form the capital cursive S and dodge common mistakes along the way.
Step-by-step stroke breakdown
The capital S in cursive blends graceful curves with flowing motion. This makes it one of the more approachable uppercase letters in the cursive alphabet. Here’s exactly how to write a capital S in cursive:
- Starting position: Start at or slightly above the baseline (the bottom line on your paper).
- Initial curve: Make a diagonal, somewhat curved line going upward toward the top line, moving right and up.
- Top loop formation: Once you reach the top, make a small loop by curving back to the left to redirect your pencil stroke downward.
- Main curve: Cross back over your original line while drawing a soft semi-circle. You’ll see the familiar shape of the print S start to appear.
- Bottom curve: Keep moving downward, curve to the right and then back to the left to shape the bottom part of the S.
- Finishing touch: As you hit the baseline again, add a small tail toward the center of the letter, but don’t go past it.
The D’Nealian style has a lead-in stroke that starts from the baseline. With this method, you’ll:
- Start your stroke on the baseline
- Take the line up to the midline
- Bring your stroke down the left side
- Link it to the starting point
- End with a tail going right
Yes, it is true that many teachers call the capital cursive S one of the easier uppercase letters to master. This makes it great for building confidence in beginners.
Common mistakes to avoid
The capital S might be simpler than other cursive letters, but writers still face several challenges while making it:
Proportionality problems: Writers often create uneven loops at the top and bottom of the letter. A well-formed capital S needs precise sizing and balance between these loops.
Inappropriate starting position: Beginners often start too high on the page. Your pen should touch the baseline for proper formation.
Inconsistent curves: The beauty of a cursive capital S comes from smooth, flowing curves. Any hesitation while writing can create jagged or uneven lines that break the letter’s natural flow.
Incorrect finishing: The tail should neither go too far past the letter’s center nor be missing entirely. This affects how well you connect to the next letter.
Rushing the process: People try to write too fast before they master the proper form. Focus on precision first—speed will come naturally with practice.
Specialized worksheets with trace lines are a great way to get better at forming the capital S and boost confidence. These tools usually have guidelines with arrows, dotted letters for tracing, and examples that help you learn the right technique.
Video demonstrations that show both correct technique and common mistakes can teach you more than written instructions alone. This combination of learning methods helps your muscles remember the proper way to write the capital cursive S.
Regular practice and careful attention will transform the capital S from a tough letter into a distinctive part of your handwriting style.
Mastering Lowercase S in Cursive
Learning to write the lowercase s in cursive is a basic skill that helps you write more smoothly. Students usually learn this letter early in their cursive journey because its gentle curves make it easy to master.
Stroke order and flow
The lowercase s in cursive follows a specific pattern that creates an elegant character like a small sail. Here’s how to form it properly:
- Start at the writing line and move upward to create what teachers often call a “ski-jump” shape. This should rise halfway between the baseline and middle guide line.
- Keep your pen on the paper and curve back down. Make half of a teardrop shape that meets your first upward stroke at the bottom line.
- Move into what many teachers describe as a “big fat belly” curve at the 5 o’clock position.
- End the letter with a small connecting line to the right that blends naturally with the next letter.
Your writing will look best if you keep steady pressure on your pen throughout. You’ll need to practice these movements repeatedly to build muscle memory. The lowercase s belongs to the “Kite String” family of letters that share similar formation patterns.
How to connect lowercase s to other letters
Connecting the lowercase s to other letters is vital for smooth cursive writing. The good news is that this letter naturally connects well because it ends with a “tail” at the baseline – perfect for flowing into the next character.
Once you finish the main part of the s, extend the final stroke right without lifting your pen. This connecting line bridges to the next letter and keeps your writing flowing smoothly.
Here are some common connection patterns:
- The s connects especially well with rounded letters like a, c, e, or o
- You’ll need to slope the connecting stroke gently upward for taller letters like t or h
- Different letters might need slight adjustments in how you approach them
Most cursive styles teach connecting the s to other letters. However, some teachers point out variations exist. As one expert notes, “The letter s is usually not connected to the next letter, but it can be”. This shows how personal style affects cursive writing.
Simple words like “swim,” “stop,” “shoe,” or “slip” work great for practice. As you get better, try more challenging combinations to improve your cursive skills.
Practicing Cursive S with Words and Sentences
The next significant step to become skilled at writing both lowercase and capital s in cursive is putting it into practice. Students who have learned the simple formation techniques can develop muscle memory and writing fluency by incorporating the letter into words and sentences.
Simple words starting with S
Students should begin their cursive practice with simple words that feature both lowercase and capital s. Here are some practice options to get started:
- Simple three-letter words like “sea,” “sun,” and “sit”
- Four-letter words including “sand,” “star,” “ship,” and “swim”
- More advanced words such as “snack,” “sofa,” and “smile”
Teachers point out that connecting technique deserves special attention when practicing these words. The lowercase s cursive tail ends at the baseline and naturally flows into the next letter. Students should prepare to connect to the next letter as they finish the tail.
Brief daily practice sessions of 5-10 minutes prove more effective than longer, sporadic sessions.
Using cursive S in full sentences
Students should move on to writing complete sentences with multiple instances of cursive s after they master individual words. This detailed approach helps build proper letter formation and overall writing fluency.
Writing sentences in cursive offers benefits beyond mastering the letter s. Research shows that handwritten notes help students remember and learn content better. Students naturally boost their comprehension skills by practicing cursive through meaningful sentences.
The focus should be on sentences that use both capital and lowercase forms of cursive letter s. Programs like the WISE OWL™ Cursive Handwriting Practice Sentences are a great way to get “automatic cursive word recognition fluency, cursive word writing fluency, and cursive spelling fluency through focused daily practice”.
Learning cursive takes time and dedication at first. Students can maintain these skills through regular writing activities in subjects of all types once they master the basics.
Choosing the Right Cursive Style for You
Beautiful handwriting starts with picking the right cursive style. Writers need to know how different historical styles work to choose one that matches their style and needs.
D’Nealian vs Zaner-Bloser styles
These two main cursive methods show different ways to form letters, including the letter s in cursive. Small differences between them can change how your handwriting looks:
Stroke thickness: D’Nealian cursive uses thicker strokes than Zaner-Bloser’s finer lines.
Slant angle: Zaner-Bloser leans more to the right (about 25°) while D’Nealian has a gentler tilt (around 17°).
Entry strokes: D’Nealian cursive starts all lowercase letters with an entry stroke from the baseline. Zaner-Bloser does things differently for some letters like a, c, d, g, o, and q.
Exit strokes: D’Nealian has short exit strokes (some people call them “monkey tails”). Zaner-Bloser stretches these strokes all the way to the midline.
Both styles have their own way of writing the letter s. The capital S connects to lowercase letters differently in each style too.
Which style suits your writing goals
Your perfect cursive style depends on what you need:
For younger learners: D’Nealian might work better because kids can move from print to cursive more easily. They only need to learn new shapes for 13 letters, not two completely different alphabets like in Zaner-Bloser.
For traditional esthetics: Zaner-Bloser gives you that “classic” American cursive look. It’s great if you want your writing to have that conventional feel.
For motor skill development: Kids who are still working on their fine motor skills often do better with Zaner-Bloser’s vertical manuscript at first. D’Nealian’s slant needs steadier hands from day one.
For practical daily use: D’Nealian lets you write without lifting your pen as much. Many adults find this quicker for everyday writing.
Pick the style you like best. Both methods have helped millions of students write beautifully over the years.
Becoming skilled at writing the cursive S marks a significant step toward beautiful handwriting. This piece explores detailed techniques to form both capital and lowercase cursive S letters. You’ll also learn to use them in words and sentences. Students can now create this flowing letter with confidence and precision.
Regular practice is vital to develop smooth cursive writing. Short practice sessions work better than long, irregular ones. Research shows that muscle memory from consistent writing helps boost both motor skills and brain development. Your handwritten notes will help you learn and remember information better.
The choice between modern D’Nealian style and classic Zaner-Bloser method depends on what works best for you. Both these methods have worked for many writers through the years. The cursive S, with its smooth curves and unique shape, are the foundations of learning other cursive letters.
Cursive writing turns simple letters into beautiful art. Even in today’s digital world, handwritten cursive still carries special meaning. Your continued practice of cursive S and other letters builds more than just a skill. It creates a personal style that shows your character and eye for detail.
Here are some FAQs about the S in cursive:
How do you write an s in cursive?
To write an s in cursive, start at the baseline and curve upward to the midline, then swing back down in a reverse curve resembling a wavy line. The lowercase cursive s should look like a slanted figure-eight without fully closing the loops. For a capital S in cursive, begin at the top with a large counterclockwise curve, then flow into an opposite downward curve with a slight tail at the end.
Why is cursive no longer taught?
Cursive writing has been phased out of many school curricula to prioritize keyboarding skills and standardized testing requirements. The decline in teaching cursive capital S and other letters reflects educational shifts toward digital communication, though some states are reintroducing it for cognitive benefits. Many educators argue cursive improves fine motor skills and historical document reading ability despite being less used daily.
How to do a lowercase s?
A lowercase cursive s is formed by making a small upward curve, then reversing direction into a mirroring downward curve that returns to the baseline. Unlike its printed counterpart, the cursive s in lowercase connects smoothly to adjacent letters with a small exit stroke. Practice keeping both curves of the s in cursive symmetrical and properly slanted to match your handwriting style.
How do you write a lowercase z?
The lowercase cursive z begins with a small upward stroke, then forms a diagonal downward line with a tail that curves back up at the end. Unlike the angular printed “z,” the cursive version resembles a flowing number “3” with more pronounced points. This distinctive z connects elegantly to other letters, maintaining the flowing rhythm of cursive writing that differs from the disconnected capital S in cursive forms.
Why does cursive S look like that?
The cursive S developed its unique shape from historical quill pen writing where continuous strokes improved speed and ink flow. The capital cursive S evolved from Roman cursive scripts, with its double-curve design allowing smooth transitions between letters. This differs from printed letters which were standardized later for clarity in typesetting, making the cursive s in lowercase and uppercase more ornate than their printed versions.
What format is cursive?
Cursive is a joined-up handwriting format where letters flow together without lifting the writing instrument. The cursive capital S and other letters feature specific connecting strokes that distinguish it from print or calligraphy. This format emphasizes efficiency and personal expression, with standardized letter forms that vary slightly between different cursive styles like Zaner-Bloser or D’Nealian.
Can Gen Z read cursive?
Many Gen Z individuals struggle with reading cursive, including recognizing letters like the capital cursive S, due to limited school instruction. While some can decipher basic words, full cursive passages often prove challenging without specific training. However, exposure to historical documents and personal notes is helping younger generations gradually learn this “lost” skill as interest grows.
Is cursive a dying language?
While cursive usage has declined significantly, it’s not completely dying as signatures, historical documents, and personal notes still require this skill. The distinctive capital S in cursive and other letters remain important for reading original historical texts and maintaining personal correspondence. Some schools are reintroducing cursive instruction, recognizing its cognitive benefits and cultural value.
Is Russian cursive real?
Yes, Russian cursive is very real and commonly used, with letters even more interconnected than English cursive. While English has distinct letters like the capital cursive S, Russian cursive features continuous strokes that make words appear as unbroken lines. Both systems share the goal of faster writing, though Russian cursive is notably more challenging for beginners to read due to its elaborate connections.
