Boy, if I had a nickel for every time I sang to my preschoolers, “Where do we start our letters? AT THE TOP,” I think I might be able to retire early! Correct letter formation is SO important when children begin writing letters. I have learned that bad habits (ie., starting from the bottom) are VERY hard to break in young learners. These Free Alphabet Tracing Cards for Preschool are designed to instill correct href=”https://lifeovercs.com/free-printable-letter-coloring-pages-for-easter/”>letter formation.
Recommended Grade Level:
Alphabet Tracing Cards Supplies:
- Printer/Ink
- Laminating Supplies
- Dry Erase Marker
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How Do Alphabet Games And Printables Teach The Alphabet?
HANDWRITING with preschoolers
LEARNING LETTER NAMES AND LETTER SOUNDS ARE OFTEN PRECURSORS TO WRITING LETTERS.
Preschoolers are not developmentally ready to produce amazing handwriting on lined paper.
It’s super important to build prerequisite skills in handwriting before putting formal pencils to formal paper. Free alphabet printables, like alphabet tracing cards, provide a means of scaffolding that all children need.
I love to place preschool alphabet printables at the literacy center along with magnetic letters, unlined paper and crayons, whiteboards and markers, and other writing supplies, to encourage kids to explore.
The alphabet tracing pages provide visual guidance on where to start and stop letters, and which direction to draw the lines.
In addition to learning correct letter formation with these engaging alphabet cards, your students can also practice letter recognition and sounds.
Here are some things young learners can think about while engaging with letter tracing worksheets.
- Where do we start our letter tracing?
- Does this letter have straight/curved lines?
- Do you have to pick up your hand to make new lines?
How To Use The Free Alphabet Tracing Printables
TRACING LETTERS with preschoolers
THIS FREE ALPHABET PRESCHOOL WORKSHEET IS A GREAT WAY TO TEACH THE ALPHABET! IT’S IMPORTANT TO START YOUR STUDENTS WHERE THEY ARE ABLE TO SUCCEED. IF THEY AREN’T READY TO PICK UP A DRY ERASE MARKER, USE A FINGER!
Alphabet learning activities with preschoolers and free worksheets should be so fun and engaging that they don’t even realize the valuable work that’s happening!
To use the alphabet worksheets for tracing:
- Point out the star as the starting point for each line. Then, show your students how the arrow points in the direction to draw each line.
- Let them practice! Focus on starting points and ending points, not on letter perfection. Students need a lot of practice before they are able to form scribbles and squiggly lines into real letters.
You can also have kids identify the picture on each letter page, to begin to teach them how to isolate the first sound in a word. There are many other uses for these engaging uppercase letter mats!
Why Is It Important For Kids To Practice Alphabet Letters?
Traceable alphabet cards provide the support young writers need in order to learn the best, most efficient ways to write each letter. In addition, alphabet activities with preschoolers pave the way toward success in other areas of literacy.
Visual Discrimination
Letter formation helps kids pay attention to small details, like starting a the top, pulling straight down, or curving a line. Visual acuity will help them as they learn to discern between letters and numbers, and later on when they learn how to read.
Letter Identification
A free printable alphabet tracing pdf will also help children when it comes to identifying uppercase/lowercase letters. Mixing it up with coloring pages, games and activities keeps children engaged.
Fine Motor
It takes a lot of fine motor muscle control to effectively grip a pencil. Beginning activities, like tracing with ABC printables help strengthen those muscles.
Background Knowledge
Learning to read, write, and become literate requires that children have background knowledge to draw on. Letter activities like this are perfect for preschool because they build letter knowledge, even when children aren’t quite ready to produce perfect handwriting.
Materials needed for the Uppercase Alphabet Tracing Printables:
Get the Supplies Here:
Don’t worry about making a special trip to the store. You can get all the supplies for the uppercase alphabet printable activity right here.
- Paper or card stock
- Printer
- Laminating supplies
- Dry erase markers
Hammermill Printer Paper, Fore Multipurpose 20 lb Copy Paper, 8.5 x 14 – 1 Ream (500 Sheets) – 96 Bright, Made in the USA, 103291
Nuova Premium Thermal Laminating Pouches, 9novelinks Transparent 4EXPO Low Odor Dry Erase Marker | Chisel Tip Markers | Whiteboard Markers, Black, 36 Count
How to Make the Alphabet Tracing Cards
To Prep:
Print the alphabet tracing cards. Then, laminate them, or place them into pouches.
To Use:
- Point out the star as the starting point for each line. Then, show your students how the arrow points in the direction to draw each line.
- Let them practice! Focus on starting points and ending points, not on letter perfection. Students need a lot of practice before they are able to form scribbles and squiggly lines into real letters.
- You can also have kids identify the picture on each letter page, to begin to teach them how to isolate the first sound in a word. There are many other uses for these engaging uppercase letter mats!
Our Favorite Alphabet Books:
We can’t live without these!
Once your child’s creativity is sparked with this fun activity, take it a step further with these engaging resources:
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AlphaOops!: The Day Z Went FirstMelissa & Doug Children’s Book – Poke-a-Dot: An Alphabet Eye Spy (Board Book with Buttons to Pop)What About X? An Alphabet AdventureABCs of Art (Sabrina Hahn’s Art & Concepts for Kids)TouchThinkLearn: ABC (Baby Board Books, Baby Touch and Feel Books, Sensory Books for Toddlers)My First Bob Books – Alphabet Box Set | Phonics, Letter sounds, Ages 3 and up, Pre-K (Reading Readiness)I Spy LettersP Is for Pterodactyl: The Worst Alphabet Book EverMelissa & Doug Children’s Book – Poke-A-Dot: Dinosaurs A to Z (Board Book with Buttons to Pop)
Sequencing
Put the cards in alphabetical order, or help your child spell simple words and names with the cards.
Create a Book
Print the letters on regular printer paper, staple them in ABC order and send them home for extra practice.
Letter Matching
Make two sets of cards for students to find matches. You could even flip them over for a giant version of a memory match game.
Play Dough
Turn the colorful printable into playdough mats. Students can form each letter by placing playdough on top of the given lines.
Have a Snack
Sort objects or pictures by beginning sounds onto the appropriate letter mat.
Play a Game
Engage students with an alphabet tracing game! Create six piles of evenly divided letters. Students can roll a die, count to that letter, and then trace it.
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