HANDWRITING REFERENCE
Handwriting zones: upper, middle and lower
Handwriting zones use a, e, n and o to locate the central band. Check extension height as a ratio and leave room between neighboring rows.
READING DESK
Reference, comparison & reading
Compare the visible forms
The tall stem extends above the body line.
An oval occupies the body band.
The tail extends beneath the baseline.
What to inspect
Locate the body band with a, e, n and o. The stems of b, d, h and l rise above it; parts of g, j, p, q and y descend below the baseline. Capitals have their own full-height forms.
Make the comparison
Measure an extension from the edge of the body band, then divide by body height to compare proportions. A tall narrow stem and a broad loop can have the same height while taking up different horizontal space.
Practice with a sample
Find three h letters and three y letters. Mark the body top and baseline, then compare how far each stem or tail extends beyond them. Check whether nearby lines leave room for those extensions.