Pre-writing
Slanted lines Worksheet
Printable slanted lines tracing practice. Crossing the midline of the body, which is harder than it looks. Trace the dashed guide, then try the empty row underneath. Adjust the size to suit the hand using it, then print or save a PDF.
Four steps
How to practise slanted lines
- 1
Say the cue
Start high, slide down to the corner.
- 2
Trace the guide
Start on the dot, follow the dashed line without lifting the pencil.
- 3
Try the empty row
The row underneath has no guide, so the movement is repeated unaided.
- 4
Shrink it over time
Reduce the row height as control improves.
What slanted lines trains
Crossing the midline of the body, which is harder than it looks.
Say this while they trace: “Start high, slide down to the corner.”
Why it matters later
A, K, M, N, V, W, X, Y, Z and the digits 4 and 7.
That connection is the reason to practise the movement on its own. When one of those letters later refuses to come out right, the problem is usually this movement rather than the letter, and a page of slanted lines fixes it faster than another page of the letter.
Where it sits in the order
This is pattern 3 of 11 in the teaching order used across these sheets. If it proves difficult, step back to straight lines down. Once it is comfortable, move on to zigzags.
Related printables
See all pre-writing patterns, or move on to alphabet tracing and number tracing when the movements are secure.
Answers