OP Word Family Handwriting Workbook
Free printable Foundation handwriting resource
Hop, mop, pop and top form this compact op word family workbook. One glossary page and one Foundation handwriting sheet introduce four meanings while rehearsing o followed by a descending p.
Preview what is inside
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Use the arrows or dots to see the front cover, one glossary page and one handwriting sheet. The two inside-page previews are watermarked; download the PDF for clean printable pages.
Compare the op ending with the groups on CVC Word Families Poster. For the individual letter movements used in hop and top, select the relevant examples from Alphabet Letter Formation Worksheets A-Z.
About this op word family
Hop and pop are useful action or sound words, while mop and top have concrete meanings in the glossary. The small set allows time for oral examples before writing. It is not necessary to expand the list with unfamiliar longer words to make the lesson worthwhile.
Pop repeats p at both ends. Each p should begin and descend consistently, with the rounded o between them. Hop begins with a tall h and mop with smaller arches, giving three different ways into the repeated ending.
What is included?
- 4 words: hop, mop, pop, top.
- 1 picture-glossary page with meanings and example sentences.
- 1 handwriting sheet using grey models, dotted letters and independent copying space.
- 6 PDF pages in total: front cover, instructions, glossary, handwriting sheets and two terms pages.
How to use this op word family
Demonstrate a safe small hop or use a toy, then read h-o-p. Compare mop by changing the first letter and discuss the cleaning tool. Ask children to read the word independently of its picture before tracing.
Work through grey, dotted and independent strips for one entry. Check the p stem below the baseline and the closed o shape. In pop, compare the two p letters for direction and height.
Explain pop with the glossary's short sharp sound example. Discuss top using its chosen meaning, and avoid introducing several alternatives at once. A brief review in which pupils explain and read each word can follow the handwriting.
Meanings in the op word family glossary
hop
Meaning: To jump on one foot or with both feet together.
Example: I can hop on one foot.
mop
Meaning: A tool with a long handle for cleaning floors.
Example: Use the mop to clean the floor.
pop
Meaning: To burst with a short sharp sound.
Example: The bubble went pop.
top
Meaning: A toy that spins on a point.
Example: Spin the top on the floor.
Teaching and follow-up ideas
- Match a mop photograph to its word card.
- Read hop and let a toy perform the movement.
- Compare the first and last p in pop for consistent descent.
- Use top in an oral sentence and identify which meaning the speaker intends.
Support and challenge
Choose hop and mop first if pop or top need further context. Finger-trace p below a drawn baseline before pencil work. Extend by asking pupils to explain how hop differs from run, without adding run as a printed target.
Where this fits in learning
The op word family is suitable for a short practice session after the four initial consonants and short o are known. Move to mixed endings when children can read all four without picture cues. Comparing mop and mat later changes both vowel and final consonant.
For further teacher reference when modelling the letter movements in hop and top, NSW Education collects handwriting sequences and advice on formation, posture and pencil grasp. These are background teaching resources, not a claim that this booklet follows a particular syllabus: NSW handwriting teaching resources.
Resource licence
Free for personal, homeschool or single-classroom use under the terms included in the PDF. Resale, redistribution and uploading the file to another website are not permitted.
Questions about this workbook
How many target words does this booklet contain?
Four: hop, mop, pop and top. The glossary and handwriting sheet both use this same set.
Which op word family spellings are practised?
hop, mop, pop, top. The glossary gives a meaning and sentence for every entry.
What is in the downloadable PDF?
There are 6 pages altogether: a front cover, one instruction page, 1 glossary page(s), 1 handwriting sheet(s) and two terms pages.
What handwriting style does this edition use?
Foundation letterforms, with grey models and dotted tracing followed by copying into ruled space.
Can I use hop on its own?
Yes. Choose the word group that matches your lesson and leave the others for another session. Read its glossary meaning and example first.
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