Letter S Formation Worksheet

Trace the capital S and the small s with numbered start points and direction arrows, then write them on your own.

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How to write the letter S

The capital S is written in one stroke, and the small s in one stroke. 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 S

Start near the top right. Curve to the left and down through the middle, then curve to the right and around the bottom, and finish near the bottom left. It is one smooth stroke, like a snake.

Small s

Draw the same curvy shape as the capital S, but smaller, starting at the middle line and stopping at the base line.

Teaching tip for S

S is a letter that children often mirror, because it has two curves that turn in opposite directions. A snake story helps: the snake starts at the top right, slithers left and then right. Check that the top curve is not bigger than the bottom curve.

The sound of S and words to practice

The letter S usually stands for the sound /s/ as in sun (a long hiss). Words to practice: sun, snake, star, spoon, sock, seal. 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 S is easy to mix up with Letter Cc and Letter Zz. 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 Rr · Next: Letter Tt · All letters A to Z

Frequently asked questions

Why does my child write S backwards?

Mirror writing is common while children learn that a letter has a fixed direction. S is hard because it has two curves in opposite directions. Use the snake story and the numbered start point to show where to begin. If reversals continue after age seven, mention it to your child's teacher.

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.

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