Writing Resources

Our Fairytale-themed Pre-Writing Tracing Activities are perfect for beginning writers. They provide fun fine motor strengthening and early pencil control for preschool and kindergarten kids!

Pre-writing skills are essential for children to develop before they can write. These skills help them hold and use a pencil for drawing, writing, copying, and colouring.

There are 9 basic strokes that form most letters, numbers, and shapes.

These strokes include: |, —, O, +, /, square, \, X, and Δ.

Children typically master these pre-writing strokes sequentially and at specific ages. However, it’s important to remember that these age recommendations are just guidelines, as children develop at different rates.

• Vertical Line: Age 2 (imitates), Age 3 (copies/masters)
• Horizontal Line: Age 2 1/2 (imitates), Age 3 (copies/masters)
• Circle Shape: Age 2 1/2 (imitates), Age 3 (copies/masters)
• Cross Shape (+): Age 3 1/2 (imitates), Age 4 (copies)
• Square Shape: Age 4
• Right Diagonal Line: Age 4 1/2
• Left Diagonal Line: Age 4 1/2
• X Shape: Age 5
• Triangle: Age 5

Related Post: Fine Motor Classroom Activities

Fairy Tale-Themed Pre-Writing Tracing Activities

Introducing our Fairytale-themed pre-writing tracing resources, which we think you’ll agree are absolutely adorable! These resources are perfect for any fairytale-themed unit or any stand-alone early childhood activity.

This collection includes numerous pre-writing tracing activities designed to help your students develop and strengthen their fine motor muscles in preparation for formal writing.

Our Fairytale activities focus on familiarizing your students with:

• Holding a pencil
• Building pencil control
• Handwriting
• First strokes
• Upper and lowercase letter formation
• Number Formation
• Shape tracing
• Days of the week
• Months of the year
• Letters and sounds

Click the images below to download our Fairy Tale -themed pre-writing  & tracing activities.