Pre-writing tracing worksheets and lines
Best for ages 2–5
Download this whole collection as one PDF
Every worksheet in this collection — Shapes Worksheets, ABC Tracing Worksheets, Number Worksheets — bundled into a single printable book.
These pre-writing tracing worksheets help the youngest children get ready to write by practising lines, shapes and simple strokes. Every page is free and printable as a PDF. Long before letters make sense, children benefit from tracing straight lines, curves and shapes, which teaches the hand the basic movements that all writing is built from.
Pre-writing is about the journey from scribble to control. A toddler first learns to make a mark, then to follow a line, then to copy a shape. These worksheets follow that order gently, with broad guides and lots of space. The aim is a calm, happy first experience with a crayon, not perfect lines.
Start with shapes and simple strokes, then bring in letters and numbers when your child is ready for them. There is no schedule to keep to. Print what suits today, repeat a favourite page as often as you like, and let your child set the pace.
Shapes Worksheets
Trace circles, lines and simple shapes to practise the basic strokes that letters are built from.
ABC Tracing Worksheets
Trace large, simple letters once your child is ready to move beyond lines and shapes.
Number Worksheets
Trace easy numbers as a gentle next step, following clear guides for each shape.
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Questions parents ask
Pre-writing skills are the basic strokes children learn before letters, such as straight lines, curves, circles and crosses. Practising these helps the hand make the movements that letters and numbers later require.
Many children enjoy tracing simple lines and shapes from around age 2 or 3. Start with broad strokes and let your child lead. There is no rush to reach letters.
Yes, completely. Scribbling is an important early stage that builds hand control. With gentle practice, those scribbles gradually become steadier lines and shapes over time.
Yes. Every pre-writing page is a free PDF you can download and print at home as often as you like, with no account needed.
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