Vertical and horizontal lines merge into the next prewriting stroke in our series! Tackle handwriting the easy way with our free prewriting worksheets on the cross/plus sign!
This set of free prewriting worksheets featuring the cross or plus sign is the fourth set in an extensive prewriting series! If you’re just getting started with prewriting, be sure to check out the first set in our series here. (This set also includes guides on “Pencil Safety” and “How to Hold a Pencil.”)
Stay tuned for the Cross/Plus Sign (Part Two) coming out next week!
About These Prewriting Worksheets
Your child has mastered the tracing of vertical and horizontal straight lines, and now it’s time to take the next step in this prewriting journey!
In this set we’re teaching the cross or plus sign. Now your child will have to quickly switch directions with his/her pencil (and his/her mind!) while making one vertical line and one horizontal line back to back.
This sign is an important stroke/shape, as it is one of the 9 strokes/shapes your child is expected to master in the prewriting world.
Be extra patient with your little one as he/she makes the quick switch between writing vertical lines and horizontal lines. And as always, make it a point to encourage, encourage, encourage!
What is Prewriting Anyway?
For children who have not yet learned how to write, prewriting is simply the process of developing the skills needed for writing. Learning how to hold a pencil, how to use a pencil, and how to make individual shapes and strokes are some of the most important skills taught in prewriting.
Why is Prewriting Important?
Prewriting is a step-by-step approach that eases your child into the world of writing.
Jumping cold turkey into tracing alphabet letters can work, but it can be a bit overwhelming.
Because prewriting first works with a child holding a pencil properly and then introduces each individual stroke one at a time, your little one will only have to focus on one task at a time, gradually building upon his/her skills over time.
For more information on the importance of prewriting, click here for a good read.
Tips on Getting Started with Prewriting
Click here for tips on getting started with prewriting.
Beyond Prewriting
Keep your eyes peeled for the next prewriting set coming out next week!
Once your child is confident in prewriting, learning alphabet letters will be so much fun! If you’re looking for resources on alphabet letter tracing, check out these free capital-uppercase letters tracing worksheets and small-lowercase letters tracing worksheets.
If you’re looking for something a little more comprehensive, check out my capital-uppercase letters workbook and my small-lowercase letters workbook! These workbooks will not only offer tracing and writing pages. They will teach your child to write his or letters in alphabetical order, show him/her the relationship between uppercase and lowercase letters, practice recognizing letters in isolation visually and auditorily, teach the sound of each letter (phonics), and more!
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