Pre-writing strokes worksheets: lines, curves, loops and waves

A sensible order

Start with vertical lines (top to bottom), then horizontal lines (left to right). These two strokes make letters such as l, t, L, T, E, F and H. Then add the slants used in v, w, x, k and A, and finally the curves: arches for n, m, h and r, cups for u and y, loops for e, l and cursive letters, and waves for rhythm and control.

Top to bottom, left to right

Each sheet starts every stroke at a dot so that children practise the same directions they will use in letters: down from the top, and across from the left. A child who learns to draw lines bottom to top often has to relearn it later, so the start point matters more than a perfectly straight line.

Signs a child is ready to move on

When a child can follow the dotted path at a steady speed without lifting the pencil in the middle of a stroke, and can copy the pattern in the empty space on their own, move on to the next sheet. Some children need several days on arches and cups; that is normal.

Keep it short and physical

Five to ten minutes is enough. Large movements help too: draw the same strokes in the air, in sand, on a chalkboard or with a finger on the table before using a pencil.