Number Tracing 1 to 10

How this worksheet is laid out

Most number tracing sheets repeat a row of numbers across the page. This one does the opposite: each line has a single, large dotted number from 1 to 10 in the middle, with empty space on both sides of it. A big number is easier to trace slowly, and the empty space gives your child room to write it again and shows right away whether the movement has stuck. If you would rather have rows of ten, use the main number tracing generator.

How to write each number from 1 to 10

Schools teach slightly different models, but these are the most common ways to form each number. Say the movement out loud while your child traces.

1. 1: start near the top and slide straight down. Some schools add a small flag at the top first.
2. 2: start at the top left, curve up and around to the right, slide down to the bottom left, then draw a line across the bottom to the right.
3. 3: start at the top left, curve around to the middle, then curve around again to finish at the bottom left. A 3 is two bumps stacked on top of each other.
4. 4: slide down from the top to the left, then go across to the right. Lift your pencil and draw a straight line down the right side, crossing the first line.
5. 5: go straight down from the top left, curve around to the bottom left, then lift your pencil and add the flat line across the top.
6. 6: start at the top right, curve down to the left and keep going into a round loop at the bottom.
7. 7: draw a line across the top, then slide down to the bottom left.
8. 8: start at the top right, curve left and down, cross to the bottom right, loop around the bottom and come back up to close the top.
9. 9: draw a round circle at the top (counter-clockwise), then go straight down from its right side.
10. 10: write a 1, then an oval 0 next to it, starting at the top and going counter-clockwise.

Numbers that are easy to flip

Numbers with curves or slanted lines, such as 2, 3, 5, 6, 7 and 9, are the ones children are most likely to write backwards. This is normal at this age. Trace the right direction a few times, say "start at the top", and let your child try again. Do not worry about perfect copies.

Count while you write

Numbers mean more when they are linked to real things. After tracing a number, ask your child to find that many socks, blocks or pieces of fruit. When 1 to 10 feels easy, move on to number tracing 1 to 20.