Curly Caterpillar Letters: How To Form c a d o g q e s f
The curly caterpillar letters are c, a, d, g, q, o, e, s and f. Most of them start at the top right and curl anticlockwise over the top, like the letter c. Press play to watch each one formed, then try the start-dot quiz.
On this page
- What Are Curly Caterpillar Letters?
- Which Letters Are Curly Caterpillar Letters?
- How Do You Form Each Curly Caterpillar Letter?
- What Mistakes Do Children Make With Curly Caterpillar Letters?
- Do All Schemes Put The Same Letters In This Family?
- What Comes Next After Curly Caterpillar Letters?
- Questions About Curly Caterpillar Letters
Play The Curly Caterpillar Letters
Tap Where It Starts
Tap or click where this letter starts. The letter then writes itself from the right spot.
What Are Curly Caterpillar Letters?
Curly caterpillar letters are the letter family that begins with the same anticlockwise curl as the letter c. The name describes that curl. BBC Bitesize puts it simply: these letters start "by looping from the top, before curling out the bottom".
It is one of the four letter families most UK primary schools teach.
Which Letters Are Curly Caterpillar Letters?
There are nine, and this is the order most classes teach them:
c, o, a, d, g, q, e, s, f
The first six all begin with the same c curl. The last three, e, s and f, begin a little differently and are explained below.
How Do You Form Each Curly Caterpillar Letter?
Each letter begins with the c curl, then adds its own finishing stroke.
| Letter | Start | Then | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|
| c | Two o'clock, curling anticlockwise | Stops at the bottom right | Starting at the bottom |
| o | The c curl | Goes all the way round and closes | Going clockwise |
| a | The c curl | Back up to the top, straight down the stem | A circle with a separate stick |
| d | The c curl | Up to the top line, straight down | Starting with the stem, which turns d into a b movement |
| g | The c curl | Straight down below the line, tail curls left | The tail curling right |
| q | The c curl | Straight down below the line, then a flick to the right | A tail that flicks the wrong way |
| e | The middle of the letter | Across to the right, then curl anticlockwise round | Starting at the base line |
| s | Just below the top right | Curve left, then back right like a snake | Reversing the curves |
| f | Just below the top right | Curve back over the top, straight down; lift and cross | Crossing first, or making f as tall as l |
The letter formation page has a card for each letter with an animation.
What Mistakes Do Children Make With Curly Caterpillar Letters?
Four mistakes turn up again and again:
- Starting at the bottom. The curl has to begin at the top right, or the letter loses its shape.
- Going clockwise. Round letters go anticlockwise. Clockwise o is one of the most common habits to fix.
- Starting d with the stem. That is the movement of b, and it is behind most b and d mix-ups. See b and d reversal.
- Tails that go the wrong way. On g and q the tail goes below the line, and on g it curls left.
Do All Schemes Put The Same Letters In This Family?
No. BBC Bitesize lists all nine letters. The DfE writing framework keeps c, o, a, g, q and d together, puts e and s with x and z, and puts f with v, w, u and y. Some schemes group f with the ladder letters. Your school's scheme sets the rule for your school.
| Letter | BBC Bitesize | DfE writing framework |
|---|---|---|
| e, s | Curly caterpillar | Grouped with x and z |
| f | Curly caterpillar | Grouped with v, w, u and y |
What Comes Next After Curly Caterpillar Letters?
Many classes move to another family next: long ladder letters, one-armed robot letters or zig-zag monster letters. Joining comes later, and a secure c curl is what makes the joins into a, d, g, o and q possible. See handwriting joins.
Questions About Curly Caterpillar Letters
Why Are They Called Curly Caterpillar Letters?
The name describes the curl every one of these letters starts with. The curl looks like a caterpillar curling round.
Is There A Free Curly Caterpillar Letters Worksheet?
Yes. Make one with the worksheet generator. It prints start dots, arrows and trace, fade and copy rows in your school's style.
Is s a Curly Caterpillar Letter?
At BBC Bitesize, yes. In the DfE writing framework s sits with e, x and z. Follow the family your school uses.
How Can I Practise Curly Caterpillar Letters At Home?
Five minutes a day is plenty. Watch the family on the tool, say "curl round" as you write each letter, and write three of each. Keep the same style your child's school uses.