Playwrite is a typeface engine designed to create cursive fonts specifically for primary school education. The need for such a tool arises from the Icelandic national curriculum (2014), which mandates legible handwriting for all students by the end of fourth grade.
Icelandic handwriting instruction, typically delivered during grades 1-3 (ages 6-9), follows a progressive system using simplified modern italic styles. This system, outlined in books by the MMS, begins with Grunnskrift, introducing students to simplified, unconnected lowercase letters with a slight slant and exit strokes. Uppercase letters in the same style follow. Finally, in third grade (ages 8-9), students transition to Tengiskrift, learning to join letters.
This modern cursive prioritizes speed and legibility. It combines print-style uppercase letters (with a distinctive 'M' featuring splain legs) and lowercase letters influenced by early Italic calligraphy, including the chancery style.
As a semi-connected model, letters with descenders don't connect to the following character. The design emphasizes aesthetics and functionality, with closed bowls for 'b' and 'p' and italic structures for 'z' and 'r'.
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Playwrite IS
Playwrite Ísland
https://primarium.info/countries/iceland/
The latest edition of the national curriculum, published in 2014, requires that at the end of fourth grade, students must “write all the letters, write clearly and understandably”. Handwriting teaching in Iceland happens during grades 1–3 (6–9 years old), and books by the MMS adhere to a progressive system, based on simplified modern italic styles. According to this system, students should first be introduced to the lowercase letters of Grunnskrift, or the initial model. These are simplified and unconnected letters, slightly slanted, and with exit strokes. This should be followed by uppercase letters of the same model. Finally, in the third grade (8–9 years old), students learn Tengiskrift, or joined letters.
Playwrite Ísland Characteristics
This slanted modern cursive handwriting is crafted for high-speed writing and features print-style uppercase letters, with 'M' notably having splain legs. The lowercase letters are inspired by early Italic calligraphies, including the the chancery style. Letters that end with a descender do not connect to the subsequent character, making this a semi-connected model. Both 'b' and 'p' feature closed bowls, while 'z' and 'r' are designed with an italic structure, stressing the script’s aesthetic and functional attributes.
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