Trace the Word "Are"
tracing · ages preschool · easy
Editorial team · Published August 31, 2026

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This "are" tracing worksheet helps children master a common sight word with clear, dashed letter outlines. At the top, a single large "are" provides a focused starting point, allowing for careful, deliberate strokes. Below, three ruled handwriting rows present multiple opportunities to practice the word, building muscle memory and refining letter formation. The repeated practice of tracing "are" within the structured lines helps children develop confidence and consistency, making the process of learning to write satisfying and effective.
To best utilize this worksheet, encourage your child to start with the large "are" at the top, focusing on each letter's shape and the flow between them. When moving to the smaller rows, suggest tracing each "are" slowly, paying attention to staying within the dashed lines. This deliberate approach, rather than rushing through, reinforces correct letter formation and helps them internalize the visual representation of the word before attempting to write it independently.
For extended use, consider laminating this tracing page so it can be wiped clean and used repeatedly with dry-erase markers. This allows children to practice writing "are" as many times as needed without wasting paper, making it a sustainable tool for reinforcing early literacy skills. Consistent practice with sight words like "are" significantly aids in reading fluency and overall writing development.
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
My child traces sloppily. Should I correct it?
Lightly. Wobbly lines are normal and improve with repetition, not correction. The one habit worth coaching early is stroke direction — top to bottom, left to right — because backwards-formed letters are harder to fix later than shaky ones.
Is tracing still worth it if my child writes on a tablet at school?
Yes — forming letters by hand is strongly linked to letter recognition and early reading, in a way tapping a keyboard isn't. Even a few paper practice sessions a week keep that hand-brain connection working.
How can I stretch this activity for my preschooler?
Talk while they work: name the picture's parts, count them, ask "what color next?" and "what happens in this story?". A printable plus five minutes of chat does more for vocabulary than the page alone ever will.



