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Handwriting Practice for Kids: Choosing Paper and Building a Routine

5 min read. Updated October 10, 2026.

Good handwriting practice depends on two things: paper that makes letter size obvious, and short sessions repeated often. This guide covers both.

How three-line paper works

Each row has a solid top line, a dashed midline and a solid baseline. Capital letters and tall lowercase letters (b, d, h, k, l) reach the top line. Short letters (a, c, e, m, n, o) fill the space between the midline and the baseline. Letters with tails (g, j, p, q, y) drop below the baseline. Learners see at once how big each letter should be.

Choosing a line height

  • Kindergarten and early printing: about 19 mm (3/4 in). Large rows let young writers use their whole arm and focus on shape.
  • Grades 1 and 2: about 12.7 mm (1/2 in). A common starting size once letters are recognisable.
  • Grade 3 and up: about 9 mm. For smoother, smaller writing and the move toward cursive.

These are guidelines, not rules. Children vary a lot, so print two sizes and let the child choose the more comfortable one.

A simple routine

  1. Keep sessions short, around 5 to 10 minutes, once a day if you can.
  2. Start with a few strokes or shapes to warm up.
  3. Write a model letter or word at the top of the page and have the child copy it across the row.
  4. Praise careful letters rather than speed, and circle the best one in each row.
  5. Finish by writing the child's name and the date.

Adding slant guides for cursive

When the child moves to cursive, turn on slant guides. A slant of 55 degrees gives parallel lines that remind the child to keep letters leaning the same way. Vertical guides at 90 degrees help with upright printing.

Classroom use

Turn on the Name and date line under Extras so every worksheet has space for the learner's name. Print a class set in one go, and use the PDF pages option to make several copies in a single file.

If handwriting is a struggle

If a child finds handwriting painful or very difficult, talk with their teacher. A teacher or an occupational therapist can suggest tools and exercises that go beyond paper.

Start with the Kindergarten preset or the Grades 1 and 2 preset.

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