Letter A Formation Worksheet
Trace the capital A and the small a with numbered start points and direction arrows, then write them on your own.
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How to write the letter A
The capital A is written in three strokes, and the small a 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 A
Start at the top middle and slide down to the bottom left. Go back to the top and slide down to the bottom right. Finish with a short line across the middle, from left to right.
Small a
Draw a small circle, starting near the top right and going counter-clockwise (left, down and around). Then add a short straight line down the right side, touching the circle. This is the simple "ball and stick" a.
Teaching tip for A
The small a on this sheet is the single-story "ball and stick" a that most handwriting programs teach. Printed books often use a different a with a hook on top, so show your child both when you read together. The start of a is the same as d, g and q (a counter-clockwise circle), so mastering it pays off four times.
The sound of A and words to practice
The letter A usually stands for the short sound /a/ as in apple (and the long sound /ay/ as in cake). Words to practice: apple, ant, alligator, astronaut, acorn, arrow. 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 A is easy to mix up with Letter Dd and Letter Oo. 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
Next: Letter Bb · All letters A to Z
Frequently asked questions
Which small a should my child learn first?
Start with the single-story a, a circle with a line down the right side. It is quick to write and uses the same first movement as d, g and q. The double-story a with a hook on top is common in print, so teach children to recognize it when they read.
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