Letter R Formation Worksheet
Trace the capital R and the small r with numbered start points and direction arrows, then write them on your own.
Customize
More options
The preview updates as you change the settings.
How to write the letter R
The capital R is written in three strokes, and the small r in two strokes. The worksheet above is already set to this letter. It shows a model of each letter with green numbered start points and red direction arrows, then rows of dotted copies to trace and empty space to write on your own. Change the letter case, the size or the number of rows in the settings.
Capital R
Draw a straight line down. Go back to the top and draw a bump that curves around and comes back toward the middle of the line. Then, from the bottom of the bump, slide down to the bottom right to make the leg.
Small r
Draw a short line down from the middle line to the base line. Then start on the line about halfway down and draw a small arm up and over to the right, and stop.
Teaching tip for R
The capital R is a P with a leg, so practice P first and then add the leg. The small r is an n that stops early: keep the little arm short, or it will turn into an n. The tip of the arm should end near the middle line.
The sound of R and words to practice
The letter R usually stands for the sound /r/ as in rabbit. Words to practice: rabbit, rainbow, rocket, robot, ring, rose. Say each word, listen for the first sound and trace the letter. Try the beginning sounds worksheets to match the sound to pictures, or trace the words themselves with word tracing.
Letters that look alike
The letter R is easy to mix up with Letter Pp and Letter Nn. Practice them on separate days, one at a time, and say the starting point out loud each time before the pencil touches the paper.
More letters
Previous: Letter Qq · Next: Letter Ss · All letters A to Z
Frequently asked questions
Why is the capital R so hard to write?
It combines two movements: a P shape (a straight line and a bump) and a diagonal leg. Practice the P first, then add the leg as a separate step. Once your child can write P with confidence, R usually follows quickly.
Free printable workbooks
Want a planned set instead of a single page? These free PDF workbooks use the same worksheets in a step-by-step order.
ABC Tracing Book
Every letter A to Z with numbered stroke arrows, a picture to color and a word to trace.
Dot Marker Activity Book
Big letters, numbers, shapes and pictures filled with circles for dot markers, stickers or fingertips.
CVC Words Workbook
Read, build, trace and write short a, e, i, o and u words with pictures, sound boxes and sentences.
Related worksheet tools
Explore more: Handwriting and Tracing Worksheets for Kids · Preschool Worksheets · Kindergarten Worksheets · All free worksheet tools
Guides for parents and teachers: Letter Formation Order: Which Letters to Teach First · How to Teach a Child to Write Their Name · How to Teach Cursive Handwriting to Kids · Cursive Letters A to Z: A Simple Guide for Kids