Creating Perfect Tracing Sheets

Mastering Tracing Sheets

Tracing is often the first step in handwriting instruction. When done correctly, it builds the muscle memory needed for proper letter formation. Let us explore how to create the most effective tracing worksheets.

When to Use Tracing

Tracing worksheets are most effective when students are:

• Learning to write for the first time
• Transitioning from print to cursive
• Learning a new handwriting font or style
• Struggling with specific letter formations
• Working on consistency and neatness

Understanding Tracing Darkness

The tracing darkness setting controls how visible the letters are. This is found in the Sheet Settings panel.

• Lighter settings (5-20%) - Letters are whisper light. After the student has traces his words, the more his handwriting is clearly perceived without the clutter of the worksheet text.
• Medium settings (25-50%) - Good balance of visibility and challenge.
• Darker settings (55-90%) - Letters are dark and clearly visible.
• The very darkest settings (95-100%) - Teachers may use this darkest setting when demonstrating where proper penmanship should sit on manuscript lines.

Super Large Tracing

For very young children or those working on fine motor skills, consider using Super Large Tracing. This creates extra-large letters that are easier for small hands to trace.

Super Large Tracing works best with:

• Preschoolers and young kindergarteners
• Students developing fine motor control
• Letter-of-the-week activities

In our house, my toddler loves to mimic his big brother and sisters. So when they are doing their copywork, he too wants his own "school" to do!  I gladly oblige.  I print out super large tracing so he can practice writing his own name, the names of his stuffed animals, and many other of his own favorite things!

Robin