Pre-Writing Patterns: The Shapes And Patterns Children Learn Before Letters
Pre-writing patterns are the lines, circles, crosses, zig-zags and waves children practise before they write letters. Most children master the basic shapes in a typical order between ages 2 and 5. Tap a pattern to watch it drawn, trace it on a tablet, or print a sheet.
On this page
Play The Patterns
Play The Patterns
Watch The Pattern
What Are Pre-Writing Patterns?
Pre-writing patterns are simple lines and shapes that build the pencil control children need to form letters. NHS occupational therapy leaflets describe them as the pencil strokes that most letters, numbers and early drawings are made of. The DfE writing framework lists horizontal, diagonal, vertical and circular strokes as a stage before letter formation in Reception.
What Are The 9 Pre-Writing Shapes?
The nine shapes are the vertical line, horizontal line, circle, cross, right diagonal, square, left diagonal, X and triangle. Solihull Children's Occupational Therapy Service gives these typical ages, as a guide only:
| Shape | Typical age |
|---|---|
| Scribble (before the nine) | 1 to 2 years |
| Vertical line | | 2 to 3 years |
| Horizontal line | 3 years |
| Circle ○ | 3 years |
| Cross + | 4 years |
| Right diagonal / | 4 years 4 months |
| Square □ | 4 years 6 months |
| Left diagonal \ | 4 years 7 months |
| X | 4 years 11 months |
| Triangle △ | 5 years 3 months |
The service notes that development depends heavily on experience and chances to practise, so a child outside these ages is not necessarily behind.
Which Handwriting Patterns Help Children Learn Letters?
Each pattern rehearses a movement used in a group of letters.
| Pattern | Letters it prepares | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Anticlockwise circles | c, a, d, g, q, o | Curly caterpillar letters start with the same curl |
| Vertical lines, top to bottom | l, i, t | Long ladder letters start with a straight down stroke |
| Humps and bridges | r, n, m, h | One-armed robot letters go down, then back up and over |
| Zig-zags | z, v, w, x | Zig-zag letters use diagonal strokes |
See letter families for how different schemes group the letters.
How Can Children Practise Pre-Writing Patterns?
Start big and get smaller. NHS occupational therapists suggest large movements first, because they use the whole arm and shoulder and help fix the mental picture of the pattern.
- Big movements. Sky writing, or chalk lines on the playground.
- Sensory trays. Sand, salt, shaving foam or paint, with a finger.
- Vertical surfaces. Chalkboards, easels or a whiteboard on the wall.
- Mazes and paths. Drive a toy car along a taped path, then draw between lines that get narrower.
- Paper. Short crayons and chalk help finger control.
Say the direction as you go: down, across, round. More ideas in multisensory teaching and fine motor skills.
When Is A Child Ready To Move From Patterns To Letters?
A child is ready to start letters once they copy a cross, a circle and diagonal lines with control, which the Solihull chart places between about 4 and 5. The DfE writing framework sets letter formation after movements, direction words, pencil control and strokes in Reception. See handwriting in the EYFS and letter formation.
Questions About Pre-Writing Patterns
Can I Print Pre-Writing Pattern Sheets?
Yes. Choose the patterns and size, then print. See handwriting worksheets.
Should 3-Year-Olds Use Pencils?
Mark making with any tool is the goal at this age. NHS leaflets note that large, chunky pencils are easier to grasp before slimmer ones, and that short crayons and chalk help finger control.
Are Patterns Useful In Year 1?
Yes, as a warm-up, or for children still building pencil control. See warm-ups.