Pre-Writing & Tracing Worksheets
Lines, curves, paths and shapes that prepare the hand for letter formation. Eight books that build progressively, one stroke at a time.
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Free pre-writing worksheets that build up to letters
Before a child can form letters they need to control a pencil along straight lines, curves, zigzags and loops. These free pre-writing worksheets (PDF) do that in a deliberate order. Straight Lines starts with tracing lines worksheets for 3 year olds: down, across and slanting strokes. Curves & Patterns adds arches, waves and spirals, and Tracing Paths turns practice into stories. Trace the Shapes links tracing to early maths, and Pencil Control Paths finishes with five graded levels of pencil control worksheets.
Every book opens with a how-to-use page for the adult, then builds page by page from guided tracing to drawing freehand. They suit Nursery, Reception and preschool children at home or in class, and they print in black and white.
Questions about pre-writing & tracing
What are pre-writing worksheets?
Pre-writing worksheets practise the strokes that make up letters: vertical, horizontal and diagonal lines, curves, zigzags, loops and simple shapes. Children trace them before they are asked to write letters.
What age are pre-writing worksheets for?
Most children start between 3 and 4, in Nursery, and continue through Reception. Start with Book 1 and move on only when a book feels easy.
Are these pre-writing worksheets free to download as a PDF?
Yes. All eight books are free PDFs with no sign-up. Print them at 100% on normal A4 paper.
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