Pre-cursive small letter tracing worksheets
Trace small letters from numbered start dots, following the arrows, then copy each one in the box. Pre-cursive letters are simple, upright letters drawn with the start points and flowing strokes that cursive writing uses. Choose worksheet options below.
How to use this worksheet
- Point to the first letter in a row. The solid letter shows the shape: follow its numbered start dots and arrows with a finger.
- Trace the dotted letters with a pencil, starting at each dot. The first dotted letter has arrows; the last two do not, so the child traces them without help.
- Copy the letter in the square box. Say the letter’s name while writing it.
Choose your practice
Choose a group of small letters, from a–c to w–z, and A4 or US Letter paper. Each sheet has three or four letters. There is no answer key.
The letters b, d, h, m, n, p, r and u go down a stem and back up the same line. The page draws the up-stroke just beside the down-stroke so you can see both. A letter with more than one stroke has a number at each start dot; follow them in order.
Age guidance is approximate. Print on A4 or US Letter paper.
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Questions about this activity
How do the numbered dots and arrows work on the small letter sheets?
The start dots show where each stroke begins and the arrows show which way to go. A letter with more than one stroke has a number at each start dot; follow them in order. Demonstrate the letter, trace the dotted examples with a finger, then copy it in the square box.
Which small letters can I print?
Choose a group of small letters, from a–c to w–z, and A4 or US Letter paper. Each sheet has three or four letters. The activity practises letter formation; it has no picture themes, colour mode or answer key.
What does pre-cursive mean for small letters?
Here it means simple, upright letters drawn with the start points and flowing strokes that cursive writing uses. The sheets teach letter shapes, not joined writing. Follow your own school or handwriting programme if it teaches a different style.
What if a small letter is still difficult?
Trace the route with a finger while an adult demonstrates it. Practise one letter at a time, and stop when the child tires. Shape and path tracing activities offer different pencil movement tasks.
Why are some strokes drawn twice?
The letters b, d, h, m, n, p, r and u go down a stem and back up the same line. The page draws the up-stroke just beside the down-stroke so both can be seen; trace down first, then back up.
Age labels are approximate guidance. Choose practice that suits the child. See printing help for A4, US Letter, colour and black-and-white settings, or browse other activities.