Find the letter
Rows of similar letters where children circle every b, or the letter asked for. At ages 7 and 8 they look for two at once, and n and u join in. Every row has at least two letters to find and three that are not.
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Teaching guide: b, d, p and q reversal worksheets
Mixing up b and d, p and q or writing a number backwards is normal while children learn to read and write, and usually fades by Year 2 or 3. When it lasts longer, practising telling these letters apart helps. This generator makes new worksheets every time, in print letters, with an answer key.
- For
- Pre-K & K K · Elementary 1st, 2nd (ages 5-7)
- Subject
- Learning Support › Phonological Awareness & Reading
- Includes
- Student sheet and answer key
- Format
- A4, to print or save as PDF; new exercises every time
- Price
- Free, no sign-up
- Available in
- Catalan, Spanish, English
Student worksheet 
Answer key Complete the word
A picture and its name with a missing letter. The picture says which word it is, so there is one answer even if another letter made a word. At ages 7 and 8 every b, d, p and q of the word is missing.
Which is backwards?
Letters and numbers written as in a mirror. Only letters that do not turn into another letter are flipped (never b, which would be a d), and numbers such as 2, 3, 5 and 7. At ages 7 and 8, words with one backwards letter.
Same as the model
A model such as "bdp" and four options where only one is the same: the others swap one letter for another of its group. It trains visual discrimination and attention to letter order.
Frequently asked questions about letter reversals
Is it normal to mix up b and d?
Yes, between ages 5 and 7 it is very common: they are the same shape turned round. If reversals carry on after Year 2 or 3 and reading is hard, it is worth talking to the school or a specialist.
Are they suitable for dyslexia?
They are practice worksheets like the ones used in support sessions. They are not a treatment or a test: whoever knows the child decides what to practise and how much.
Which letters do they use?
Lower-case print, the letters children read in books, because that is where b, d, p and q look most alike. To practise letter formation, use the handwriting generator.
Is there an answer key?
Yes. Every worksheet comes with its answers: the circled letters, the missing letters, what is backwards and the option that matches the model.
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