The lines and what they are for
Three-line guides — a baseline, a dashed midline and a top line — are how letter height is taught. The midline is where lower-case letters stop; ascenders reach the top line and descenders drop below the baseline. Without it, children write letters that are all the same height, which is the most common early problem.
Line spacing should match the age. Wide for a five-year-old whose motor control is still developing; narrower as writing becomes smaller and more controlled.
Tracing, then copying
The usual progression is trace the grey letters, then copy them on the line below, then write from memory. Sheets that only trace produce children who can trace.
Practising a few letters many times beats the whole alphabet once. Letters that share a stroke — c, a, d, g, q all begin the same way — are worth grouping.
Frequently asked questions
What are the dashed middle lines for?
They show where lower-case letters stop. Without a midline, children write every letter the same height, which is the commonest early problem.
How wide should the lines be?
Wide for a five-year-old still developing motor control, narrower as writing becomes smaller and more controlled.
Should sheets be tracing or copying?
Both, in that order — trace, then copy below, then write unaided. Tracing alone produces children who can trace.
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