Writing letters separately is a normal stage. Joining is a skill of its own, best taught in small steps.
Step 1: the six non-joiners
ا د ذ ر ز و
These join to the letter before them but never to the letter after. Teach them first, so your child knows where gaps are allowed.
Step 2: one letter, four forms
Take ب and write it in each position:
| Alone | Start | Middle | End |
|---|---|---|---|
| ب | بـ | ـبـ | ـب |
Explain: at the start and middle, the letter “loses its tail” to hold hands with the next one.
Step 3: build words
| Word | Meaning | Joining point |
|---|---|---|
| بَيْت | house | All three join |
| بَاب | door | ب joins ا; ا does not join the last ب |
| دَار | home | No letters join forwards |
| كَلْب | dog | All three join |
A 2-week practice plan
- Week 1: 5 minutes a day on the four forms of ب, ت, ن and ي (they share a shape).
- Week 2: copy three short words a day, then write them from memory.
Teacher’s tip: ask your child to write without lifting the pencil until they reach a non-joiner. It turns the rule into a physical habit.
Related: Why Arabic letters change shape.
