# Lesson 5: Spacing between words

✍️ WRITING (40 Lessons) • 🟢 A. Getting Started with Writing

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## Objective

I can leave a clear space between words so my sentences are easy to read and do not look squashed together.

## Materials

- Short, sharpened pencil
- Eraser
- Ruled paper (primary lines preferred)
- Tracing Pad (below)
- Simple sentence strip or card (for example: I like my cat.)

## Mini-lesson — Spaces make words clear

When you write, each word needs its own place. A small space between words helps your reader see where one word stops and the next word begins.

1. What is a space?

- A space is a little gap between two words.
- We do not draw a line there. We just leave it empty.
- The space should be about the size of a finger space.

2. Keeping words together

- Letters that belong to the same word should be close together.
- Do not split a word in the middle with a big gap.
- Write the whole word, then leave a space, then start the next word.

3. Using a finger space

- Write one word.
- Place your finger after the word.
- Start the next word after your finger, on the same line.

4. Not too big, not too small

- Spaces that are too tiny make words look stuck together.
- Spaces that are too huge make words look far apart.
- A neat finger space is just right.

Ask yourself: "Can I see each word? Are my words together and my spaces clear?"

Picture strip: "No spaces vs finger spaces"

## Guided Practice — Finger space warm-up

Use this routine to practice leaving spaces between words when you write short sentences.

1. Say a short sentence: Try I like my cat. or We run fast. Say it slowly and count the words, not the letters.
2. Tap for each word: Tap the table once for each word as you say the sentence. This helps you feel how many spaces you will need.
3. Trace on the pad: On the Tracing Pad, choose a pattern like I like or my cat. Write it in a row, leaving a clear gap between the words.
4. Use a finger space: After you finish one word, gently place your finger on the line. Start the next word after your finger, on the same line.
5. Move to paper: On your paper, write a short sentence like I like my cat. Circle one good finger space that you are proud of.
6. Try a new sentence: Make another sentence, such as I see the sun. Say the words, then write them with neat spaces between each word.

You can use this finger space warm-up before writing stories so your words stay clear and easy to read.

Tracing Pad
Lines
Trace
Pen

## Drag & Drop — Build and write spacing rules

First, build each short sentence. Then copy it neatly on your ruled paper with clear spaces between words.

On the device:
Drag the words into the correct order. Release inside a slot to drop.

On paper:
Write each finished sentence with small finger spaces between words.

Keep letters in each word together .
Leave a little space between words .
Use a finger space after each word.
Do not make spaces too big or tiny .
Read your sentence to check spaces .

## Quick Check — Spacing between words

Answer each question about spaces, words, and finger spaces. This is a gentle 10-question check.

#### What is a space in writing?

A line under the word A little gap between words A dot above the word

#### What should letters in one word do?

Stay close together Be far apart Have big gaps inside the word

#### Where do you put a space?

Between every letter In the middle of a word Between one word and the next word

#### How big should a space between words be?

No space at all About a finger space As big as the whole line

#### Why are finger spaces helpful?

They help you see each word They make the page look empty They erase your words

#### What happens if you do not leave spaces?

The words look neater The sentence gets shorter The words get squished and hard to read

#### What should you do with the letters in the word cat?

Put a space between c and a Keep c, a, and t together Leave a big gap in the middle

#### How should words sit on the line?

On the line with spaces between them Floating in the air with no spaces On top of each other

#### How can you check your spacing?

Close your eyes Erase all the spaces Read the sentence and look for gaps between words

#### What speed helps you remember to use spaces?

Super fast Slow and careful Only when someone is watching

## Assessment (parent/teacher)

Leaves a clear space between most words Keeps letters in each word together with no big gaps inside Writes short sentences that sit on the line and are easy to read Can explain or show how to use a finger space between words

## Exit ticket (student)

😀 My words have clear spaces and look easy to read. 🙂 I need practice remembering finger spaces. 😅 Leaving spaces between words still feels tricky.

#### I will practice…

Using finger spaces Keeping letters in each word together Checking my sentences for spaces
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