Zig-Zag Monster Letters: How To Form z v w x
The zig-zag monster letters are z, v, w and x. They are made of straight diagonal lines that meet in sharp points, with no curves. Press play to watch each one formed from its start dot, then try the start-dot quiz on your whiteboard.
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Play The Zig-Zag Monster Letters
Tap Where It Starts
Tap or click where this letter starts. The letter then writes itself from the right spot.
What Are Zig-Zag Monster Letters?
Zig-zag monster letters are the handwriting letter family made only of straight diagonal lines. BBC Bitesize calls them zigzag letters and says you can "spot the zig-zag letters from their zig-zag lines".
They are usually taught last of the four letter families, because diagonal lines are harder for a young child's pencil than straight lines or curves.
Which Letters Are Zig-Zag Letters?
There are four: v, w, x, z.
How Do You Form Each Zig-Zag Letter?
Each one starts at the top and changes direction at a sharp point, without rounding the corner.
| Letter | Start | Then | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|
| v | The top left | Diagonally down to the base line, diagonally up to the top right | A rounded point, which turns v into u |
| w | The top left | Down, up, down, up in two v shapes | Rounded or uneven points |
| x | The top left | Diagonally down to the right; lift; cross from the top right | Two v shapes instead of a cross |
| z | The top left | Across to the right, diagonally down to the left, across to the right | Writing it backwards or rounding the corners |
The letter formation page has an animation for each letter.
What Mistakes Do Children Make With Zig-Zag Letters?
- Rounded points. A rounded v becomes a u. Pause at each point on the tool to see the sharp turn.
- Writing z backwards. It is a common reversal. The path is across, down to the left, across.
- Drawing x as two v shapes. X is two straight lines that cross.
- Leaning letters. Keep the diagonals evenly angled.
More on reversals: letter reversals.
Do All Schemes Put The Same Letters In This Family?
No. BBC Bitesize lists z, v, w and x. The DfE writing framework groups v and w with u, y and f, and groups x and z with e and s. Griffin OT's fourth group, which it calls "falling over", is made of oblique lines and includes k as well as x.
| Letter | BBC Bitesize | DfE writing framework |
|---|---|---|
| v, w | Zig-zag | Grouped with u, y and f |
| x, z | Zig-zag | Grouped with e and s |
What Comes Next After Zig-Zag Monster Letters?
Zig-zag letters usually complete the four families. The next step is joining, once children form every print letter correctly and consistently, as the DfE writing framework asks. Before that, some schools add exit flicks: see pre-cursive handwriting. Then see handwriting joins. Children who are not ready for diagonals build the movement with zig-zag patterns first; see pre-writing patterns.
Questions About Zig-Zag Monster Letters
Why Are They Called Zig-Zag Monster Letters?
The name describes the sharp, angular shapes. BBC Bitesize calls the family zigzag letters, and many schools add "monster".
How Many Strokes Is x?
Two. Draw one diagonal, lift the pencil and cross it with the second.
Is There A Free Zig-Zag Letters Worksheet?
Yes. Make one with the worksheet generator, with start dots and arrows, in your school's style.
Why Does My Child Write z Backwards?
It is common while children learn direction, and it usually settles as writing becomes automatic. Start with a dot at the top left and a short arrow across. See letter reversals for ages and when to ask for advice.