Trace the Letter S
tracing · ages preschool · easy
Editorial team · Published July 10, 2026
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This page features the title "Trace the Letter S" in bold orange at the top. Below the title, there are two large, dashed outlines of the uppercase letter S. Following these, three distinct rows are presented, each containing multiple smaller, dashed outlines of the uppercase S, situated between a solid baseline and a dashed upper line. This layout provides clear visual guidance for tracing and repetition, offering a satisfying progression from larger examples to smaller, guided practice.
A child should begin by tracing the two larger dashed S outlines at the top of the page. This allows for ample space to practice the curved motion of the letter without strict line constraints. After mastering the larger forms, they can move to the first row of smaller letters, tracing each S from left to right. This systematic approach reinforces the correct letter formation and encourages a natural writing direction.
This tracing page primarily practices fine motor control as children carefully follow the dashed lines to form the letter S. It also reinforces early literacy skills by helping children recognize the visual shape of the letter S and associate it with its uppercase form. The repeated practice helps build muscle memory essential for handwriting.
For a practical extension, encourage children to use different colored crayons or markers for each row of the letter S. This adds a creative element and can make the repetitive task more engaging. Alternatively, once the tracing is complete, ask them to identify objects in the room or words that start with the "S" sound, connecting the written letter to its phonetic value.
Teacher notes
Skills practiced
- Letter and number formation
- Pencil grip and stroke direction
- Hand-eye coordination
- Pre-writing strokes: lines, curves and circles
Suggested use in class
- Handwriting station: trace the dotted row, then write freehand on the last line
- Send home for daily practice; compare the first and last sheet of the week
Time estimate
10–15 minutes
Materials
- Printed page
- Pencil or thick crayon
- Optional: sheet protector and dry-erase marker for reuse
Download & print — it's free
US Letter (8.5×11"). Print at home, no sign-up needed.
Tip: set your printer to “Fit to page” for best results.
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Frequently asked questions
How many times a week should we practice tracing?
Little and often beats marathon sessions: five minutes a day does more than half an hour once a week. Stop while it's still fun — handwriting practice that ends in tears sets the skill back, not forward.
What comes after tracing the dashed lines?
Fading support: first trace the dashes, then copy the shape next to the model, then write it from memory. When your child can form it without the guide, they own it — most kids need many relaxed repetitions to get there, and that's normal.
My preschooler gives up halfway through. Is that normal?
Completely. Attention at this age comes in bursts — leave the page out and it'll often get a second visit later. Praising the effort ("you worked on that a long time!") rather than the result builds the staying power.
How do I make a printable last longer than one use?
Slip the printed page into a plastic page protector, or laminate it, and hand over a dry-erase marker. It wipes clean in seconds, so one print can be reused all week — great for travel folders and quiet-time boxes.