Cursive tracing worksheets
Type a name, a spelling list or a sentence and print it as dotted cursive to trace. Each entry gets a model row, tracing rows and an empty row to write it freehand.
Letter formation chart
Where each cursive letter starts and in what order the strokes go. The worksheets mark the same starts with green dots on the model row, so a child can check the chart when a letter feels wrong.
Cursive practice sheets for any word
Cursive is learned by repeating whole words, not single letters, because the hard part is the joins: the stroke that runs from the end of one letter into the start of the next. A sheet of a a a a teaches the letter but not how to get from a to the next letter. Tracing real words teaches both at once.
Type one word or name per line. Spelling lists work well, since the child practices the spelling and the handwriting in the same five minutes. For a whole class, paste a list and tick A full page for each name.
What the cursive letters look like
The cursive here is a single-stroke script based on the classic Hershey script, a simple joined hand with looped ascenders and descenders. It is not an exact copy of any one school program, so if your school uses a particular cursive model, compare a few letters first. The capital letters in particular vary a lot between programs, while the lowercase joins are close to what most American cursive teaches.
Tips for teaching cursive
- Start with the lowercase letters that share an up-stroke: i, t, u, w, then e, l, h, k, b, f.
- Then the round letters that start like c: a, d, g, o, q, c.
- Leave the capitals until the lowercase joins are comfortable. Most words are mostly lowercase.
- Keep the paper tilted to match the writing hand, about 30 to 45 degrees.
- Say the letter names while tracing, then trace the whole word without lifting the pencil where the letters join.
Cursive for adults
Adults use cursive sheets too: to relearn cursive, to improve a signature, or to write faster by hand. Choose the small row size for adult practice, since adult handwriting is closer to a quarter of an inch. The handwriting practice sheet maker works for print handwriting in the same way.
More printables
- Handwriting practice sheets
- Bubble letter alphabet: printable A to Z
- Lowercase bubble letters a to z
- Bubble numbers 0 to 9
- Printable block letters
- Printable letter stencils
Guides
Frequently asked questions
How do I make cursive practice sheets?
Type words or names one per line, choose Cursive and a row size, and download the PDF.
What cursive style do these worksheets use?
A simple joined script based on the public-domain Hershey script font. Lowercase joins are close to common American cursive, but capitals may differ from your school program.
What order should cursive letters be taught in?
Most programs start with lowercase letters that begin with an up-stroke (i, t, u, w), then round letters that start like c (a, d, g, o), and leave capitals until later.
Can adults use these cursive worksheets?
Yes. Pick the small row size and type sentences or your signature to practice.