Letter Z Formation Worksheet
Trace the capital Z and the small z with numbered start points and direction arrows, then write them on your own.
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How to write the letter Z
The capital Z is written in one stroke, and the small z in one stroke. The worksheet above is already set to this letter. It shows a model of each letter with green numbered start points and red direction arrows, then rows of dotted copies to trace and empty space to write on your own. Change the letter case, the size or the number of rows in the settings.
Capital Z
Start at the top left and draw a line across to the right. Slide down diagonally to the bottom left. Then draw a line across the bottom to the right. It is one stroke: across, slide, across.
Small z
Draw the same shape as the capital Z, but smaller, between the middle line and the base line.
Teaching tip for Z
A Z has two horizontal lines joined by a diagonal, while an N has two vertical lines joined by a diagonal. Telling your child this is a quick way to stop the two from being mixed up. Make the diagonal go from the top right to the bottom left.
The sound of Z and words to practice
The letter Z usually stands for the sound /z/ as in zebra (a buzzing sound). Words to practice: zebra, zip, zoo, zero, zigzag, zucchini. Say each word, listen for the first sound and trace the letter. Try the beginning sounds worksheets to match the sound to pictures, or trace the words themselves with word tracing.
Letters that look alike
The letter Z is easy to mix up with Letter Ss and Letter Nn. Practice them on separate days, one at a time, and say the starting point out loud each time before the pencil touches the paper.
More letters
Previous: Letter Yy · All letters A to Z
Frequently asked questions
Is Z called "zee" or "zed"?
Both are correct. American English says "zee" and British English says "zed". Use the name your child hears at school. The sound of the letter, /z/, is the same in both.
Free printable workbooks
Want a planned set instead of a single page? These free PDF workbooks use the same worksheets in a step-by-step order.
ABC Tracing Book
Every letter A to Z with numbered stroke arrows, a picture to color and a word to trace.
Dot Marker Activity Book
Big letters, numbers, shapes and pictures filled with circles for dot markers, stickers or fingertips.
CVC Words Workbook
Read, build, trace and write short a, e, i, o and u words with pictures, sound boxes and sentences.
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Guides for parents and teachers: Letter Formation Order: Which Letters to Teach First · How to Teach a Child to Write Their Name · How to Teach Cursive Handwriting to Kids · Cursive Letters A to Z: A Simple Guide for Kids