Little hands at work
Tracing lines and pencil paths
Straight, curved, wavy and zigzag paths with room to move. Trace with a finger first, then try a drawing tool.
3–4 · 4–5 years · FreeExplore activity
Handwriting readiness · Free printable
Pencil journeys: lines, bends and loops
This pack puts a small amount of practice on each page so the child has space to make marks. Follow the example with a finger first. A pale model supports tracing, and empty space allows an attempt without tracing. It is fine to stop after one row and return on another day.
Take a little peek3 items · Original illustrations
straight
curve
wave
Picture-play preview shown. The PDF contains the handwriting readiness layout.
Inside the printable
First page shown. The download includes the complete activity and grown-up guidance.
What we’re exploring
Follow a generous route with a finger, then explore a similar pencil movement.
A little way to play
- An adult introduces the example and demonstrates one comfortable movement.
- Explore the model with a finger before choosing a pencil or crayon.
- Trace as much as is useful, then try the empty space or make a larger version on spare paper.
Make it easier
Enlarge the page or let the child direct an adult’s mark. Choose only one row.
Try a little moreCompare the model with a new attempt, noticing one useful feature rather than looking for perfection.
For the grown-up
The print letter style is Andika and has no stroke-order arrows. Follow the child’s setting for formation and any specific handwriting style. Do not force a hand preference or make tracing an age deadline.
Answers & naming help
There is no scored tracing answer. The model identifies the intended letter, numeral or path; marks may extend beyond it while the child practises.
straight · curve · wave
How do I print this?
Choose your vocabulary and paper size, then download the PDF. Print at actual size or 100%. Use the low-ink option for outline activities; colour-name cards still need their colour to teach the word. Cut-and-stack mini-books are available in the flashcard maker.
Keep the discoveries going.
More little hands at work ↗Shapes & colours
Shape tracing and matching
Trace generous shape outlines, match the names and turn a printed page into a simple shape hunt.
3–4 · 4–5 years · FreeExplore activity
Letters & early reading
Alphabet chart
A clear A–Z chart with matching capital and lowercase letters for pointing, comparing and finding familiar names.
3–4 · 4–5 years · FreeExplore activity