When your child starts letters at the bottom
Your child writes letters that look right on the paper but starts them at the bottom, or draws o and a clockwise. It looks fine now, but it becomes a problem when writing needs to be fast and joined.
For: Parents, teachers and therapists of children aged 4 to 8
A cover page with the plan, then 7 worksheets in order (8 pages). Free, no sign-up.
Free, no sign-up. US Letter size. Download A4 instead · Open to print
Save to PinterestWhy it happens
- Children often copy the shape they see, not the movement that makes it.
- Letters started in the wrong place are slower and fall apart when writing gets faster.
- Starting points are easiest to fix early, before they become automatic.
What helps
- Every letter starts at the top (except d and e, which start in the middle).
- Use sheets with a clear start dot and numbered arrows; trace with a finger first.
- Practise one letter family at a time: the letters that start the same way.
- Watch your child write; the finished letter does not show where it began.
The planstep by step.
1Magic c letters
c a d g o q all start like c, at the top right and going left.
2Down letters
Start at the top and go down.
3Capitals
Capitals also start at the top.
When to ask for help
Ask the teacher or an occupational therapist (OT) if wrong starts continue after 7 despite regular practice, or if handwriting is much slower or harder to read than classmates’.
These worksheets are practice materials, not a diagnosis or a treatment. Every child develops at their own pace. If you are worried, talk to your child’s teacher, doctor or a specialist.
Questions
Questions about starting letters at the bottom
Still have questions? Visit our Help Center or get in touch.
Does it matter where a letter starts if it looks right?
Related packs
Sources
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.