Tracing lines and shapes worksheets
Pre-writing sheets for ages 2 to 5: lines, curves, zigzags, circles, squares and triangles, the same strokes children later use for letters.
All shapes at once
The preschool tracing pack has every line and shape, then the numbers 1 to 5, in one PDF.
Print the preschool packPick a line or shape
The order to practise in
- Straight lines. Down, then across, then slanted.
- Curves. Waves, cups and hills.
- Zigzags. Sharp changes of direction.
- Circles. Start at the top and go back around, like c.
- Squares, then triangles. Corners first, then slanted sides.
This is roughly the order in which children can copy these shapes as they grow, from about age 2 for lines to about 5 for triangles.
Questions parents ask
Why trace lines before letters?
Every letter is made of lines, curves and circles. Practising them first lets children focus on pencil control before they also have to remember letter shapes.
What should my child use to trace?
A thick crayon or a short, chunky pencil is easier for small hands than a long pencil.