Digital Tablet

Practice Sheets E-book

Printing Fluently
We Write To Read Series
Peterson Directed Handwriting
ISBN 1-890666-46-7

License to print is extended to the buyer. You may print the pages as needed using
Acrobat Reader or PDF By Hand. Please respect our copyright. Your license does
not allow you to distribute copies of this document to others.
The majority of these lesson sheets provide a model for movement training by tracing with the pointer finger. Please do not have children trace the models with a
pencil or crayon. Visit our Information Directory page for a link to a web presentation that explains why pencil-tracing is not a good idea.
www.peterson-handwriting.com/Info.html

nia

ee

bu

yl

va

Pet
ers

1908

ns

ing
rit
w

Since

Gr

irected Hand
D
on

rg, Penns

Copyright 2010 Peterson Directed Handwriting

Table Of Contents
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.

Cover
Table Of Contents
Paper Position
Lined Practice Page
Pencil Position
Fluency Test Page
Letters - l, t, i, j, u
Letters - h, r, n, m, b, p
Numerals - 1, 4, 5, 7, 2, 3
Words, No Tail Space
Words, No Tail Space
Letters - a, d, g, q
Letters - f, c, s, o, e
Numerals - 0, 6, 9, 8
Words - Count & Write
Words - Count & Write
Letters - k, v, w, x, y, z

18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.
26.
27.
28.
29.
30.
31.

Words - Count & Write

Words - Count & Write
Words - Count & Write
Capitals - L, T, I, F, E, H
Capitals - P, B, R, D, J, U
Capitals - C, G, S, O, Q
Capitals - N, M, K, A, Z
Capitals - Y, V, W, X
Apply Capitals. A-G
Apply Capitals, H-N
Apply Capitals, O-U
Apply Capitals, V-Z
Sentences
Fluency Test

Printing Fluently
We Write To Read series
from
Peterson Directed Handwriting
Thank you for choosing this new approach to practice from Peterson Directed Handwriting. You can print these
pages as needed from Acrobat Reader or PDF By Hand from your computer. If you have a color printer available, you can produce multiple copies of the chosen worksheet in color. If your printer is not color capable, the
images will print in grayscale.
Please remember that our most important goal is fluency. We need to get the students moving to create a demand
for better position and to provide regular opportunity to improve control of the fluent kind of movement children
need when using handwriting as a tool.
These pages are designed to provide step-by-step, gross-motor readiness for cursive handwriting. The first step
is to learn how to hold the paper and writing arm in position for control of lateral movements needed for joining
letters as words are formed. We use print letterforms to begin position training so that the child wont have to
learn new movement sequences at the same time we are learning how to use good writing position for the paper
and writing arm. When print letters slant forward it shows that good position skills are understood and applied.
Slant print is not a new alphabet. We are simply learning to make print letters fluently by using cursive postion and cursive muscles. Mastery of the position skills first, will make it much easier for the child to learn the
movement sequences for cursive letters.

Align this edge parallel with desk top for right-hander and for overhand lefties.

for left-handed sidestroke position

96 ritin
19
andw
H
ht
yrig cted
Cop Dire
n

Align this edge parallel with desk top

erso

Our Position Guide Helps

Pet

ng

ti
96 wri
19 and
t H
gh d
yri ecte
op ir
C nD
o
rs
ete

Align

sition

e par
allel with

estro
d sid
ande

ke po

this edg

ld
Ho

left-h
desk
with
Align

ies.

this ed

nd left

ge pa

overha

.
ge
ed

rallel

is

and for

th

nder

l to
lle

right-ha

ara
rp

top for

e
ap

top for

gp

tin

desk

wri

Peterson Directed Handwriting

www.peterson-handwriting.com

Name

E-book Practice Sheets

Peterson Directed Handwriting

Hold Your Pencil Softly

One finger on top,
An inch away from the point.
Dont Pinch,
Dont Squeeze,
Dont press down hard.

Pointer on the top,

Thumb on the side.
Keep the other fingers,
Hanging down beside.

Peterson Directed Handwriting

www.peterson-handwriting.com

Measure And Track Your Fluency Score

How many lowercase letters can you print in one minute? Only legible letters count. Record your letters-per-minute
score in the box and save your paper for comparison with later scores as the year progresses.
Name

E-book Practice Sheets

LPM Score

Date

Peterson Directed Handwriting

Master Writing Position And Rhythmic Movement

Learn to hold your paper in writing position and move smoothly across the page. Chant the action words aloud as you write the target
letter. Let your arm move your pencil with the beat of your voice.
No-lift letters
are smoother.
1. Slant

1. Slant
2. Cross

1. Slant
2. Dot

1. Slant Tail
2. Dot

1. Slant
2. Rock Slant

Write & Say in sets of three to practice spacing.

l
t
i
j
u
E-book Practice Sheets

Peterson Directed Handwriting

Master Writing Position And Rhythmic Movement

Learn to hold your paper in writing position and move smoothly across the page. Chant the action words aloud as you write the target
letter. Let your arm move your pencil with the beat of your voice. Write & Say in order straight across the page.
1. Slant Tail
2. Roll Around

Practice NO-LIFT to make all of these letters smoothly.

1. Slant
2. Roll Slant

1. Slant
2. Roll

E-book Practice Sheets

1. Slant
2. Roll Slant

1. Slant
2. Roll Slant
3. Roll slant

Peterson Directed Handwriting

1. Slant
2. Roll Around

Numerals Can Slant Too!

Write & Say at a large size first. Then do the same at small size. Test your muscle memory by writing with your eyes closed.
Use the action words or count aloud. All of these numerals begin with a slant.

1. Slant

1. Slant
2. Slide, Lift
3. Slant

1. Slant
2. Roll, Lift
3. Slide

1. Slant Small
2. Slide
3. Slant

1. Slant
2. Loop Roll
3. Loop Twist

1. Slant
2. Loop Roll
3. Loop Roll

145723
145723 145723

Reproducible Lesson Sheets

Peterson Directed Handwriting

Tall Space, Small Space

Can you write neatly without a special space for letter tails? These words all use the letters you have practiced.
Practice writing each letter as you spell the word aloud.
Name

hit hill pull put

but up nut hut
Put letters close together inside of words. Thumbspace between words

E-book Practice Sheets

Peterson Directed Handwriting

10

Tall Space, Small Space

Can you write neatly without a special space for tail letters? These words all use the letters you have practiced.
Practice writing each letter as you spell the word aloud.
Name

lip pin it jump

run bun hip mint
Put letters close together inside of words. Thumbspace between words

E-book Practice Sheets

Peterson Directed Handwriting

11

Straight strokes slant easily but these letters begin with a curve to the left and down. They may require a little more practice to slant
fluently. Fingertrace & Say then Write & Say with action words. Write letters in pairs to practice spacing.
1. Curve
2. Rock Slant

1. Curve
2. Rock Slant

1. Curve
2. Rock Tail

1. Curve
2. Rock Tail
3. Hook

a
d
g
q
Reproducible Lesson Sheets

Peterson Directed Handwriting

12

Curves that slant to the left may need more practice. Letters f, c, s and o all start the same way. But, notice the lowercase e. We will
start with the slide so that we dont have to lift between the strokes. Pause before the Hook Around to maintain control for a nice
loop. Fingertrace & Say. Then Write & Say. Write letters in pairs to practice spacing.
Name

1. Hook Slant
2. Cross

1. Hook Around

1. Hook Snake

1. Hook Around Close

1. Slide (pause)
2. Hook Around

f
c
s
o
e
E-book Practice Sheets

Peterson Directed Handwriting

13

Left-curve Numerals
Practice until you can make legible numerals over and over with your eyes closed. Master large size then work on small size. Use the
action words or count to move smoothly with your voice.
Name

1. Curve Down
Rock Close

1. Curve Down
2. Loop Toe

1. Curve Down
Rock Close
2. Slant

1. Hook Twist
2. Roll Up

00 66 99 88
000 666 999 888

E-book Practice Sheets

Peterson Directed Handwriting

14

Word Practice
Can you write neatly without skipping spaces for tail letters? Can you write the words as you count for the letter strokes?
Name

fat
cat
fad
dad
sad
dog
sea
see
1,2

5,6

3,4

4,5

2,3

1,2

3,4

1,2

5,6

5,6

3,4

2,3

4,5

1,2

4,5

2,3

4,5

2,3

4,5

E-book Practice Sheets

Peterson Directed Handwriting

15

Word Practice
Can you write neatly without skipping spaces for tail letters? Can you write the words as you count for the letter strokes?
Name

had
mad
sun
son
foot
good
quit
nose
1,2

5,6

3,4

4,5

6,7

1,2,3

2,3

2,3

4,5

4,5

1,2

5,6

1,2

1,2

3,4

5,6

1,2

5,6

E-book Practice Sheets

7,8

5,6

Peterson Directed Handwriting

16

Some Letters Use Different Down Strokes

Fingertrace & Say then Write & Say in sets of three for spacing practice.
1. Slant
2.Name
Slant
3. Down

k
v
w
x
y
z

E-book Practice Sheets

1. Down
2. Slant

1. Down
2. Slant
3. Down
4. Slant

1. Down
2. Cross

Peterson Directed Handwriting

1. Down
2. Slant Tail

1. Slide
2. Slant
3. Slide

17

Word Practice
Can you write neatly without skipping spaces for tail letters? Can you write the words as you count for the letter strokes?
Name

kick
van
two
zoo
key
very
fix
we
1,2,3

7,8,9

4,5

1,2

3,4

5,6

3,4,5,6

1,2

1,2,3

1,2,3

6,7

4,5

1,2

1,2

3,4

3,4

5,6

7,8

5,6

1,2,3,4

5,6

E-book Practice Sheets

Peterson Directed Handwriting

18

Word Practice
Can you write neatly without skipping spaces for tail letters? Can you write the words as you count for the letter strokes?
Name

kite
you
why
zero
sky
cave
bike
win
1,2,3

4,5 6,7

8,9

4,5

1,2

7,8

5,6

1,2,3,4

1,2,3

6,7

4,5

5,6

2,3,4

2,3

4,5

1,2

6,7

8,9

3,4

5,6,7

1,2,3,4

7,8

5,6

E-book Practice Sheets

Peterson Directed Handwriting

19

Word Practice
Can you write neatly without skipping spaces for tail letters? Can you write the words as you count for the letter strokes?
Name

five
yes
who
fly
my
seven
mix
six

1,2

7,8

5,6

3,4

3,4

1,2

1,2,3,4

5,6

1,2

4,5

4,5

1,2,3

4,5

2,3

1,2,3

4,5

6,7

8,9

6,7

2,3

4,5

E-book Practice Sheets

Peterson Directed Handwriting

20

Slant to start then add slides for this family of capital letters.
Hold the page in writing position. Fingertrace as you say the strokes or count. Then Write and Say below.
Name

LTIFEH
L
T
I
F
E
H
1. Slant
2. Slide

1. Slant
2. Slide

1. Slant
2. Slide (top)
3. Slide

1. Slant
2. Slide (top)
3. Slide

1. Slant
2. Slide (top)
3. Slide
4. Slide

1. Slant
2. Slant
3. Slide

Write & Say in pairs to practice spacing.

E-book Practice Sheets

Peterson Directed Handwriting

21

Slant to start then add curves for this family of capital letters.
Hold the page in writing position. Fingertrace as you say the strokes or count. Then Write and Say below.
Name

PBRDJU
P
B
R
D
J
U
1. Slant
2. Slide Around

1. Slant
2. Slide Around
3. Slide Around

1. Slant
2. Slide Around
3. Down

1. Slant
2. Slide Around

1. Slant Curve

1. Slant
2. Rock up

Write & Say in pairs to practice spacing.

E-book Practice Sheets

Peterson Directed Handwriting

22

All five letters in this family start with a hook-curve round top.
Hold the page in writing position. Fingertrace as you say the strokes or count. Then Write and Say below.
Name

CGSOQ

1. Hook
Around

1. Hook Around
2. Slide

1. Hook Snake

1. Hook Around
Close

1. Hook Around
Close
2. Cross

Write & Say in pairs to practice spacing.

C
G
S
O
Q
E-book Practice Sheets

Peterson Directed Handwriting

23

The letters in this family use different downstrokes.

Hold the page in writing position. Fingertrace as you say the strokes or count. Then Write and Say below.
Name

NMKAZ
N
M
K
A
Z
1. Slant
2. Slant
3. Down

1. Slant
2. Slant
3. Down
4. Slant

1. Slant
2. Slant
3. Down

1. Slant
2. Down
3. Slide

1. Slide
2. Slant
3. Slide

Write & Say in pairs to practice spacing.

E-book Practice Sheets

Peterson Directed Handwriting

24

More letters that use different downstrokes.

Hold the page in writing position. Fingertrace as you say the strokes or count. Then Write and Say below.
Name

Y V W X

1. Down
2. Slant
3. Slant

1. Down
2. Slant

1. Down
2. Slant
3. Down
4. Slant

1. Down
2. Slant

Write & Say in pairs to practice spacing.

Y
V
W
X
E-book Practice Sheets

Peterson Directed Handwriting

25

Capital Letter Practice

Write names to practice using capitals with lowercase letters.
Name

Bill
Amy

E-book Practice Sheets

Carl

Dana

Peterson Directed Handwriting

Erin

Fran

Gail

26

Capital Letter Practice

Write names to practice using capitals with lowercase letters.
Name

Kurt
Ivan
Hank

E-book Practice Sheets

Jerry

Leah

Peterson Directed Handwriting

Marc

Nina

27

Capital Letter Practice

Write names to practice using capitals with lowercase letters.
Name

Ollie

Pam

E-book Practice Sheets

Quinn

Rose

Sarah

Peterson Directed Handwriting

Tom

Uri

28

Capital Letter Practice

Write names to practice using capitals with lowercase letters.
Name

Xavier
Vera

E-book Practice Sheets

Yvonne

Zora

Winnie

Peterson Directed Handwriting

29

PRACTICE GOOD POSITION FOR SLANT

Name

This is my
best writing.
It is fun to
print neatly.

E-book Practice Sheets

Peterson Directed Handwriting

30

Measure your fluency score for lowercase slant print letters. Good position allows forward slant to happen. That
should mean better fluency. Has your fluency score improved?
Name

E-book Practice Sheets

LPM Score

Date

Peterson Directed Handwriting

31