Pre-writing
Squares Worksheet
Printable squares tracing practice. Stopping and turning a corner deliberately. 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 squares
- 1
Say the cue
Across, down, back, up. Stop at every 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 squares trains
Stopping and turning a corner deliberately.
Say this while they trace: “Across, down, back, up. Stop at every corner.”
Why it matters later
E, F, H, L, T and shape recognition.
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 squares fixes it faster than another page of the letter.
Where it sits in the order
This is pattern 10 of 11 in the teaching order used across these sheets. If it proves difficult, step back to spirals. Once it is comfortable, move on to triangles.
Related printables
See all pre-writing patterns, or move on to alphabet tracing and number tracing when the movements are secure.
Answers