Cursive Pre-Writing Lines & Strokes for Kids – Free Printable Included
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Since writing one of my recent blog posts on the possible benefits of teaching cursive handwriting before print handwriting, I realized most of the post and printables I have talked about print pre-writing lines. I figured it was high time to share some cursive pre-writing line printables for those of you who want to introduce cursive handwriting first.
Cursive Pre-Writing Lines or Strokes
Cursive letters are more fluid and require more circular, wave, and loop strokes compared to print pre-writing lines. Print pre-writing lines follow a developmental sequence, which I wrote about in my book Basic Shapes for Beginners.
From the research I have done on cursive, there is no developmental sequence for learning cursive lines like print pre-writing lines. The benefits of learning cursive first include all the start points being at the same starting point (this is for lowercase cursive) and also less trouble with letter reversals such as “d” and “b” in print. Each letter in cursive has its own unique formation.
I took some liberty with the lines and strokes for this printable and included some lines which may not be considered cursive pre-writing lines per say, but they do encourage fluid movement and also working on shapes and lines that have more curves than straight up and down lines.
Ways to Use Cursive Pre-Writing Lines Printables
I left the design of these printables pretty straightforward and simple so that you can use various items with them, instead of just a pencil. Remember children, under the age of 6 especially, benefit from various sensory experiences when it comes to letter formations, so don't feel like you can ONLY use a pencil with these printables.
Here are some ideas to get you started:
- Use a finger to trace the lines
- Use Wikki Stix connected together to form the lines
- Use thin lines of rolled out play dough
- Pipe-cleaners connected together
- Use some of the pages as scissor and cutting practice
- Cut the lines into strips and include in a busy bag for quiet time
A quick note here, if your child becomes distracted by any of the lines on the page, or has a hard time controlling the paper while using them, you can use a slanted writing surface to hold the paper, OR cut the paper into strips.
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For more handwriting tips and ideas, check out my handwriting resource page here. Or click on the Handwriting Pinterest board below.
You may also like:
- Should I Teach Cursive or Print First?
- Basics of Pre-Writing Skills and Activities for Kids
- Pre-Writing Skills Checklist for Kids
- 10 Hands-On Ways to Practice Pre-Writing Lines
Heather Greutman, COTA
Heather Greutman is a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant with experience in school-based OT services for preschool through high school. She uses her background to share child development tips, tools, and strategies for parents, educators, and therapists. She is the author of many ebooks including The Basics of Fine Motor Skills, and Basics of Pre-Writing Skills, and co-author of Sensory Processing Explained: A Handbook for Parents and Educators.
I have put in my email address, but haven’t received the page.
Hi Julianne, I just checked my email provider and the email was sent but you need to confirm your email in order to download it. There should be an email from me titled: Important: Open download your cursive pre-writing line printable. Double check your spam folder or promotions tab in gmail if you don’t see it in your inbox.
These worksheets are so handy! Thank you!
Hi Heather,
Ive been trying to download this pack for a couple of days now- it just leads me to a page with a message Cheating’huh.
Could you please look into it
Hi there, so sorry about that. I’ve been fighting with the tool I use for these downloads and finally just had to link to it another way. I have updated the post with the new link. Sorry for the trouble.
HI! I just discovered your page. I teach cursive handwriting in first grade. I love your cursive pre-writing image and tried to download the pages. I am unable to enter my e-mail address to get the e-mail. Maybe the link is “broken”.
Thanks.
Hi Alisha, make sure you don’t have a pop-up blocker on your web browser since a box pops up asking you to put your e-mail address in. You can also visit this page and try: https://www.growinghandsonkids.com/downloads/cursive-pre-writing-lines-strokes-kids
Heather,
Did i order from you a set of Emotion Cards for 14.99 through Paypal on 4/27.? I never did get them, or download them if I was supposed to do that. I am checking with everyone because I don’t remember since it was taken out electronically. Thank you for checking.
Yes, I just looked it up and asked the shop to resend your invoice. Let me know if you did not get it.