Writing Resources

Our Caterpillars & Butterflies Pre-Writing Tracing Activities are perfect for beginning writers. Fun Fine Motor strengthening and early pencil control for preschool & kindergarten kids!

Pre-writing skills are the essential skills children need to develop before they are able to write. These skills contribute to their ability to hold and use a pencil to draw, write, copy, and colour.

There are 9 strokes to develop that make up most letters, numbers and shapes. They include the following strokes: |, —, O, +, /, square, \, X, and Δ.

These pre writing strokes are typically mastered in sequential order, and to an age-specific level. But remember that the age recommendations are a guideline, as children develop at different rates.

1. Vertical Line – (Age 2 imitates, age 3 copies/masters)
2. Horizontal Line – (Age 2 1/2 imitates, age 3 copies/masters)
3. Circle Shape – (Age 2 1/2 imitates, 3 copies/masters)
4. Cross Shape (+) – (Age 3 1/2 imitates, age 4 copies)
5. Square Shape – (Age 4)
6. Right Diagonal Line – (Age 4 1/2)
7. Left Diagonal Line – (Age 4 1/2)
8. X Shape – (Age 5)
9. Triangle (Age 5)

Related Post: Fine Motor Classroom Activities

Caterpillars & Butterflies Pre Writing Tracing Activities

This set of resources is our Caterpillars & Butterflies themed pre-writing tracing resources.  And we think you’ll agree that it’s soooo Darn Cute! It will go perfectly with a mini beast, bugs or Hungry Caterpillar theme!

This library contains so many pre-writing tracing activities  to help your students develop & strengthen their fine motor muscles ready for formal writing.

These Caterpillars & Butterfly activities are designed to get your students familiar with:

• holding a pencil
• building pencil control
• handwriting
• first strokes
• upper & lowercase letter formation
• number formation
• shape tracing
• days of the week
• months of the Year
• letters & sounds

Click the images below to download our Caterpillars & Butterflies-themed pre-writing  & tracing activities.