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Can trace, but won’t write on their own

Your child traces beautifully but freezes at an empty line. Writing your own sentence asks for many things at once: an idea, the words, the spelling and the letters. Children need small steps between tracing and writing alone.

For: Kindergarten and 1st grade teachers and parents

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A cover page with the plan, then 10 worksheets in order (11 pages). Free, no sign-up.

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Can trace, but won’t write on their own: free printable worksheet packSave to Pinterest

Why it happens

  • Tracing only asks for the movement. Writing alone also asks for the idea, the order of the words and the spelling.
  • An empty line gives no help; many children would rather not start than make a mistake.
  • Steps in between (copying, building from word cards, finishing a sentence) remove one difficulty at a time.

What helps

  • Go step by step: trace, copy, build from word cards, finish a sentence starter, write a sentence about a picture.
  • Say the sentence out loud first and count the words on your fingers.
  • Give a starter (“I like…”) so the hardest part, beginning, is done.
  • Accept sound spelling at first (“I lik mi dog”): the goal is writing, not perfect spelling.

The planstep by step.

  1. 1Step 1: trace and copy

    Read the sentence, trace it, then copy it on the empty line.

    Sentence Tracing Worksheet: My familyZaner-Bloser style · Kindergarten – Grade 1Pattern Sentences Worksheet: “I see a …”Pre-K – Kindergarten

  2. 2Step 2: build

    Put word cards in order to make a sentence, then write it.

    Sentence Scramble Cut and Paste Worksheet 1Kindergarten – Grade 1Sentence Scramble Cut and Paste Worksheet 2Kindergarten – Grade 1

  3. 3Step 3: fix and finish

    Fix capital letters and periods; finish sentences with a word from the word bank.

    Fix the Sentence Worksheet 1: Capitals and PeriodsKindergarten – Grade 1Complete the Sentence Worksheet 1 (Word Bank and Pictures)Kindergarten – Grade 1

  4. 4Step 4: write your own

    Finish sentence starters about yourself, then write about a picture.

    Sentence Starters Worksheet: All about meKindergarten – Grade 1Sentence Starters Worksheet: My favoritesKindergarten – Grade 1Picture Writing Prompt: At the parkKindergarten – Grade 1Read and Draw Sentences Worksheet 1Kindergarten – Grade 1

Questions

Questions about from tracing to writing sentences

Still have questions? Visit our Help Center or get in touch.

Should I correct spelling in my child’s first sentences?
Not at first. Sound spelling (“I lik mi dog”) shows your child is hearing the sounds. Correct one word, or the sight words they already know.
How long should a first sentence be?
Three to five words is a great start: “I see a cat.” Length comes later.

Related packs

Help for no spaces between words6 worksheets · free PDFHelp when sight words don’t stick11 worksheets · free PDF

The LetterSchool app

Between worksheets: practise in the app

The same letter shapes as this sheet, with instant feedback on every line, animations and stars. Children play, and learn the right formation.

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