A popular handwriting scheme across the UK, Show-me’s Bubble Handwriting Scaffold is the only educational handwriting method that teaches consistency in both letter height and width. Proven to result in more legible handwriting, this double-sided board focuses on letter formation on one side (for KS1) and word/sentence formation on the reverse (for KS2) making it a classroom asset that can be used time and time again.
How does it work?
The handwriting scaffold consists of “bubble” shapes placed both above and below the line acting as a visual guide for children on how to form letters correctly. This helps to remove the pressure for students writing on an empty line with pupils able to trace or write around the bubble shapes – teaching them spacing, proportion and letter structure. It also supports the consistent spacing between words.
What are the benefits of the Bubble Handwriting Scaffold?
The bubble design allows children to focus on one aspect of handwriting at a time – whether that’s letter formation, spelling, spacing or motor control. This reduces cognitive overload and helps children build confidence in their fine motor skills. Pupils can trace, erase and try again, building muscle memory in a low-stakes environment.
It also has the additional benefit of young students finding the bubble writing fun and approachable, boosting engagement and increasing motivation. Reluctant writers may feel overwhelmed by traditional methods but, with the scaffold, it can help improve their willingness to learn. This couldn’t be more important with the Annual Literacy Survey in 2025 finding writing enjoyment levels at their lowest since 2010.
How was the handwriting scheme developed?
The Bubble Handwriting Scaffold was originally created by Assistant Headteacher, Steve, as a printable worksheet for the classroom but, when printing became tedious, he quickly looked for a reusable solution. With his school already using Show-me boards, we became the natural first place to start. The board design became the first official collaboration as part of Show-me’s ‘Teacher Designed’ scheme. In fact, it was so popular that we sold out of our initial preordered stock before the mini whiteboard was even launched!
Rob Bogan, Headteacher at Itchen Abbas Primary School, explains: ‘Bubble writing is so easy to use and has transformed the teaching of handwriting across the school! The children and parents love this approach and we have received incredible feedback!’.
What is the Show-me ‘Teacher Designed’ scheme?
Show-me strives to create classroom resources and supplies that help solve the everyday frustrations of the classroom. We welcome feedback from teachers, whether that’s via our Research Schools or various events throughout the year. That’s why we love our ‘Teacher Designed’ scheme – we collaborate with teachers across the UK to make their mini whiteboard ideas a reality.
Under the scheme, teachers approach Show-me with potential designs that they think could have widespread success in the current curriculum and, if Show-me agrees, we’ll design, manufacture and sell them with the teacher earning a commission on future sales.
Find out more about the Teacher Designed Scheme here and don’t forget to shop our bubble handwriting boards for your classroom.