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
Tracing activity · Free printable
Tracing lines and pencil paths
A path gives a mark somewhere to go without turning it into a handwriting lesson. Explore a straight route, a bend and a wave at a comfortable pace. You can print the paths, follow them with a finger on screen beside an adult or draw a larger version on spare paper.
Take a little peek6 items · Original illustrations
straight path
curve path
zigzag path
wave path
loop path
arch path
Picture-play preview shown. The PDF contains the tracing activity layout.
Inside the printable
First page shown. The download includes the complete activity and grown-up guidance.
What we’re exploring
Explore controlled movements in different directions while noticing a line’s changes in direction.
A little way to play
- Choose a path that looks inviting. Put the printed sheet on a flat surface and leave plenty of elbow room.
- Trace the route with a finger while describing it: “Across, then around the bend.”
- Offer a thick crayon, pencil or washable marker suitable for your child. Model one short section if useful.
- Pause after a path and decide together whether to try another, draw freely or finish.
Make it easier
Use the straight line or a large curve. Let an adult draw an extra-wide version and invite any mark that follows roughly the same direction.
Try a little moreFollow the route in the opposite direction, or draw a similar path beside it. Describe which route had the most changes of direction.
For the grown-up
Neatness and speed are not the purpose. Avoid forcing a hand preference or moving a child’s hand for them without their agreement. A child can take part by directing an adult instead.
Answers & naming help
The six routes are straight, curved, zigzag, wavy, looping and arched. There is no scored answer: the activity is following and discussing the path, with room for marks outside the outline.
straight path · curve path · zigzag path · wave path · loop path · arch path
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 ↗Little hands at work
Dot marker activities
Large dot targets for dabbing, pointing and pattern play, using a selection of familiar shape outlines.
3–4 · 4–5 years · FreeExplore activity
Little hands at work
First cutting practice
Short straight and curved paper routes for supervised cutting practice, with simpler ways to join in.
3–4 · 4–5 years · FreeExplore activity