Trace the Letter S Worksheet for Preschoolers
Tracing the curved strokes of the letter S helps children ages 3-5 build the specific hand movements needed for handwriting, since S requires a continuous curving motion that's different from the straight lines of letters like L or T. Repeated tracing also reinforces letter recognition, helping your child associate the shape of S with its name and sound. Because curves are harder to control than straight lines, this worksheet targets a slightly more advanced fine motor milestone than basic line tracing.
Curriculum
How to use this worksheet
Show your child the dotted letter S at the top of the page and trace it once yourself with your finger, narrating the motion as a smooth curve from top to bottom. Hand your child a pencil and have them trace directly over the dotted lines, starting at the same point each time so the stroke direction stays consistent. Continue down the row, encouraging them to slow down on the curviest parts rather than rushing through. Once the tracing rows are complete, have your child try writing an S freehand in the blank space to test what they've practiced.
Materials needed
- Pencil
- Crayons
Extension activities
- •Go on an S scavenger hunt around the house, finding objects like a spoon, sock, or star.
- •Form the letter S using pipe cleaners, yarn, or playdough to build the shape in a different medium.
- •Trace a giant letter S drawn with chalk on the ground using your whole body to walk the shape.
- •Practice writing S in a tray of sand, salt, or shaving cream for multisensory letter practice.
- •Think of and say aloud as many words as you can that start with the S sound.
Tips for parents and teachers
Watch your child's pencil grip during this activity, since curved strokes tend to reveal an awkward grip more clearly than straight lines do. It's common for preschoolers to reverse the direction of the S or start it from the wrong point; gently guide their hand back to the starting dot rather than letting the habit set in. Keep sessions short, just a few rows at a time, since the fine motor control needed for curves is more tiring than straight-line tracing.
Written by
Hemsweta Jain · Teacher Cheena
MBA and Early Childhood Educator, teaching since 2014 · Founder of RaisoActive, Mumbai
Every RaisoActive worksheet is designed and checked by the founder before publishing.
Published · Last reviewed
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