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Getting ready for kindergarten: writing and letters

Your child starts kindergarten soon and you want to help them get ready, without turning summer into school. A few minutes a day on the right skills is enough: holding a pencil, writing their own name, knowing capital letters and some letter sounds.

For: Parents of children starting kindergarten

The whole pack as one PDF

A cover page with the plan, then 13 worksheets in order (14 pages). Free, no sign-up.

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Free, no sign-up. US Letter size. Download A4 instead · Open to print

Getting ready for kindergarten: writing and letters: free printable worksheet packSave to Pinterest

Why it happens

  • Kindergarten teachers often name the same starting skills: holding a pencil, writing your own name, recognizing letters and some of their sounds.
  • Children who already form a few letters the right way avoid habits that are hard to unlearn later.
  • Short, playful practice keeps the motivation high.

What helps

  • Start with the child’s own name: it is the most motivating word there is.
  • Teach capitals before lowercase: they are all the same height and start at the top.
  • Connect letters to sounds from the start: “B says b, like ball”.
  • Keep it to 5 to 10 minutes and stop while it is still fun.

The planstep by step.

  1. 1Week 1: strokes and grip

    Lines and circles from the green dot. Also make a name tracing sheet with your child’s name.

    Pre-Writing Worksheet: Vertical linesPre-KPre-Writing Worksheet: CirclesPre-KPre-Writing Worksheet: Slanted linesPre-K

  2. 2Week 2: capitals

    Capital letters by family, then the whole capital alphabet.

    Straight line capitals WorksheetZaner-Bloser style · Pre-K – KindergartenCurved capitals WorksheetZaner-Bloser style · Pre-K – KindergartenUppercase Alphabet Tracing Worksheet A–ZZaner-Bloser style · Pre-K – Kindergarten

  3. 3Week 3: letter sounds

    Beginning sounds for the letters in your child’s name; these four are a good start.

    Beginning Sound M WorksheetPre-K – KindergartenBeginning Sound S WorksheetPre-K – KindergartenBeginning Sound A WorksheetPre-K – KindergartenBeginning Sound T WorksheetPre-K – Kindergarten

  4. 4Week 4: first words

    The first two sight words, and a simple pattern sentence.

    Sight Word “I” Worksheet (Pre-primer)Pre-K and early kindergartenSight Word “the” Worksheet (Pre-primer)Pre-K and early kindergartenPattern Sentences Worksheet: “I see a …”Pre-K – Kindergarten

Questions

Questions about kindergarten writing readiness

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

Does my child need to read before kindergarten?
No. Kindergarten teaches reading. Knowing letters, some sounds and how to write their name gives children a good start.
How can I make a name tracing sheet?
Use the free name tracing worksheet maker on this site: type the name, choose the handwriting style and download the PDF.

Related packs

Not ready to write letters yet? Start with pre-writing20 worksheets · free PDFHelp with learning letter sounds14 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.

Try the app for freeHow it works