Start dots and arrows
The model in each row shows a green circle where each stroke starts and an arrow for its direction; 1, 4 and 5, written in two strokes, have their strokes numbered.
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Teaching guide: number formation
Writing a number well means knowing where to start, which way to go and how many it stands for. This free number tracing worksheet generator makes A4 sheets for 0 to 20 with the formation of each number, dotted copies and a picture to count, in three sizes from age 3 to Grade 1.
Student worksheet From tracing to writing alone
Each row starts with the model, then dotted copies, a copy with fewer dots, one with only the start dot and room to write it with no help.
Number and quantity
Beside each number there are as many things as it says (to count and colour in) or a ten frame, so the numeral goes with its quantity. Zero gets an empty plate.
Three sizes
3 cm numbers for ages 3-4, 2 cm for ages 4-5 and 1.3 cm for age 5 and Grade 1, on three guide lines that lead on to squared paper.
Number words
At the small size each number has its word underneath to trace and write (zero, one, two… twenty), in print or cursive.
Low ink
Fine dots, outline pictures to colour in and no backgrounds: the sheet prints in black and white on any printer.
Frequently asked questions about the number tracing worksheets
In what order should numbers be taught?
Most teachers start with 1, 2 and 3, go on to 5, then 6 to 10 and zero, and at age 5 and in Grade 1 the teen numbers up to 20. Choose a single number to practise only that one, or a set (1-5, 6-10, 0-10, 11-20) to go through them in order.
How is each number formed?
From top to bottom and left to right: 0, 6, 8 and 9 start at the top and go round to the left; 2, 3 and 7 start at the top left; 1 starts with its little flag, and 4 and 5 are written in two strokes. The green dot and the arrow of the model show it in every row.
Which size should I choose?
Large (3 cm) for the first strokes at ages 3-4, medium (2 cm) once they control the pencil and small (1.3 cm) for age 5 and Grade 1. If a number is hard, go back to the size before. Before numbers, the pre-writing worksheets practise the basic strokes.
Why is there a picture beside each number?
To link the numeral with its quantity: there are as many things as the number says, in groups of five from 7 on, or a ten frame with counters. Children can count and colour them after tracing. To practise the order of the numbers, try the dot-to-dot worksheets.
Can children trace the number words too?
Yes: at the small size each number has its word underneath to trace and write, on the four guide lines of the handwriting generator. Later on, the numbers in words generator works with bigger numbers.
Why is there no answer key?
Because the model is the answer: the first number in each row is printed in ink and the child compares what they trace and write with it.
More worksheet generators you may like
Number Sequences
A4 number sequence worksheets: skip counting, counting on and back with missing numbers, continuing a sequence, finding the rule and number patterns, to 20, 100 or 1000.
Number Line
A4 number line worksheets: read and place numbers to 1000, add and subtract in jumps, multiply with equal jumps, negative numbers either side of zero and fractions on a number line.
Place Value
A4 place value worksheets: base ten blocks, place value charts, expanded form, building numbers, the value of a digit and numbers in words, up to 999,999 with an answer key.