Pre-writing worksheets
The basic strokes before letters.
What to trace
Options
Colour
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How to make pre-writing worksheets
- 1
Tap the strokes you want.
- 2
Choose dotted, dashed or grey lines.
- 3
Download and print.
- 4
Children copy the solid model, then trace the rest of the row.
About the pre-writing worksheets
Before letters, children learn a set of basic strokes, usually in this order: vertical line, horizontal line, circle, cross, diagonal lines, square, X and triangle. Every capital letter is built from them. Each row shows a solid model and then dotted strokes to trace.
More to explore
Find more in kids activity sheets. Everything is made on your device, and nothing is uploaded.
Frequently asked questions
At what age do children master these strokes?
Roughly: vertical and horizontal lines by 3, circles and crosses by 3–4, diagonals, squares and X by 4–5, and triangles by 5. Every child is different.
Should I print in colour?
Colour isn’t needed. The guide lines are light pink and the tracing dots are grey, which both print clearly in black and white.
Can I make the letters bigger?
Yes. Choose large, medium or small writing. Large suits ages 3–5; small suits children who already write on lined paper.
Which handwriting style is used?
A simple, unjoined school print with a single-storey a and g, close to the styles used in most early-years classrooms.
Is the pre-writing worksheets free?
Yes, with no signup or watermark. Everything is made in your browser.