Guides for Parents and Teachers: Handwriting, Letters, Numbers and Phonics
Practical, step-by-step guides on getting ready to write, teaching letters, names and numbers, cursive and early reading, each with free printable practice sheets.
Getting ready to write
Readiness signs, the first shapes and the fine motor skills that come before the pencil work.
Handwriting Readiness Checklist: Is Your Child Ready to Write?
A simple handwriting readiness checklist for ages 3 to 6: ten signs your child is ready to start writing, and what to do if they are not there yet.
Pre-Writing Shapes by Age: When Can Kids Draw Each Shape?
The pre-writing shapes in order, with the usual age children can copy each one: line, circle, cross, square, diagonals and triangle, and how to practice.
Pre-Writing Activities for Preschoolers: 15 Fun Ideas
Fifteen fun pre-writing activities for preschoolers that build the strokes, strength and control children need before they start writing letters and names.
How to Teach a Child to Use Scissors
How to teach a child to use scissors: the right grip, the best first scissors and a step-by-step cutting plan from snipping to cutting out shapes.
Shadow Matching Activities for Preschoolers
What shadow matching is, the skills it builds and eight easy shadow matching activities for preschoolers, from printable sheets to flashlight play.
Teaching letters, names and numbers
Which letters to start with, how to use tracing sheets and how much to practice.
Letter Formation Order: Which Letters to Teach First
A simple letter formation order: group letters by how they are written and teach straight-line letters first. Capital and small letter groups, with a week plan.
How to Teach a Child to Write Their Name
Learn how to teach a child to write their name with simple steps, fun activities and free printable name tracing practice for preschool and kindergarten.
Dotted vs Outline vs Solid Gray Tracing: Which Style Comes First?
Dotted, outline or solid gray tracing letters? See what each style is for, which one to start with and how to fade support as your child gains confidence.
How to Teach a Child to Write Numbers 1 to 10
How to teach a child to write numbers 1 to 10: how to form each digit, a simple practice plan and tips for numbers written backwards.
Handwriting Practice at Home: How Long and How Often
Handwriting practice at home: how long and how often for ages 3 to 6, a 10-minute routine, setup tips and the signs that it is time to stop.
Cursive
Step-by-step help for teaching joined-up writing.
How to Teach Cursive Handwriting to Kids
A step-by-step guide to teaching cursive handwriting to kids, with a four-week practice plan and tips for creating cursive worksheets for free.
How to Write Your Name in Cursive
Learn how to write your name in cursive with simple tips, letter groups and ideas for custom cursive names, plus a free generator to practice.
Cursive Letters A to Z: A Simple Guide for Kids
A simple guide to cursive letters A to Z for kids: lowercase letter groups, joins, capitals, tricky letters and a practice plan with free printable sheets.
Cursive Practice Sentences for Kids: Easy to Hard List
A list of cursive practice sentences for kids, from easy to hard, with tips for choosing sentences and making your own cursive worksheets for free.
Phonics and early reading
Sounding out words and hearing the beats in them.
CVC Words List: Short A, E, I, O and U
A CVC words list sorted by short vowel (a, e, i, o, u) with sentences to read, a teaching order and easy games for kindergarten and first grade.
How to Teach Syllables to Preschool and Kindergarten Children
How to teach syllables to young children: the clap and chin methods, a 4-step plan from names to long words, word lists for 1 to 4 syllables and games.