Variations
What prints with the starting settings
| Paper | US Letter — 215.9 × 279.4 mm (8.5 × 11 in) |
|---|---|
| Writing height (top to baseline) | 31.75 mm = 1 1/4″ |
| Writing sets on this page | 6 |
| Midline (x-height) | 5/8″ |
| Margins | 1/2″ |
| Line weight | 0.25 mm (bold 0.35 mm) |
| Print setting | Scale 100% / Actual size |
First letters need room
Preschoolers write big. Their pencil control is still developing, and they often hold chunky crayons or triangular pencils. Lines 1 1/4 inch tall give them space to form letters without frustration, and the shaded middle zone gives a clear target for small letters.
Using the page
- Free writing: let children copy their name or a few letters they know.
- Model and copy: write a letter at the start of the line for the child to copy across.
- Shapes before letters: straight lines, circles and zigzags along the rows build control.
- Short sessions: one or two lines at a time is plenty for young children.
A progression of sizes
1 1/4 inch for preschool, 1 inch for kindergarten, 3/4 inch in first grade and smaller from there. When children are ready for letter formation practice, the alphabet tracing sheet shows where every letter starts.
Printing
Print at 100% / Actual size so the lines keep their full height.
More handwriting sheets
- First grade writing paper (3/4 inch lines)
- Kindergarten writing paper (1 inch lines)
- Cursive handwriting paper with slant lines
- Primary story paper
- Third grade handwriting paper (1/2 inch lines)
- Brush lettering practice sheets (28 mm lines)
- Tian zi ge (田字格) paper
- Copperplate calligraphy guide sheets (55° slant)
- Hindi writing practice paper
- Mi zi ge (米字格) paper
- Second grade writing paper (5/8 inch lines)
Frequently asked questions
How big are the lines?
Each writing set is 1 1/4 inches from the top line to the baseline, with the dashed midline 5/8 inch above the baseline. Six sets fit on a Letter or A4 page.
What is the shaded band for?
It highlights the space between the midline and the baseline, where small letters go. Young children find it easier to aim for a coloured band than a dashed line.
When should children move to smaller lines?
When their letters fit comfortably and they start to stay inside the lines, usually around kindergarten. Move on to 1 inch kindergarten paper.
Is there tracing paper for names?
Yes, the name tracing maker prints dotted letters to trace at this size.
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