Letter U Formation Worksheet
Trace the capital U and the small u with numbered start points and direction arrows, then write them on your own.
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How to write the letter U
The capital U is written in one stroke, and the small u 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 U
Start at the top left and go straight down. Curve around the bottom and go straight back up to the top right. It is one stroke, like a cup.
Small u
Draw a short line down from the middle line, curve around the bottom and come back up to the middle line. Then lift your pencil and draw a short straight line down the right side, from the middle line to the base line.
Teaching tip for U
The second line of the small u is a straight "tail" that goes all the way down to the base line. If your child leaves it out, the letter becomes a v or an open curve. A small u is an upside-down n, and a good one to practice after n.
The sound of U and words to practice
The letter U usually stands for the short sound /u/ as in umbrella (and the long sound /yoo/ as in unicorn). Words to practice: umbrella, unicorn, up, under, uncle, umpire. 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 U is easy to mix up with Letter Vv 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 Tt · Next: Letter Vv · All letters A to Z
Frequently asked questions
How is the small u different from the small n?
A small u is an upside-down n. The curve of u is at the bottom, like a cup, and the curve of n is at the top, like an arch. Say "cup" for u and "arch" for n to remind your child.
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.
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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