Valleys Tracing Worksheet — Medium Patterns, Full Tracing, 5 Rows, Ages 4–5
Cup-shaped dips hanging from the top guide line, like a row of letter u shapes joined together, form the five medium rows of this tracing page for ages 4–5.
1 A4 page · for home and classroom use
Valleys
How to use this worksheet
- Start at the dot on the top line on the left. Go down into the cup, round the bottom and back up to the top line.
- Carry straight on into the next cup without lifting the pencil.
- Keep every cup the same width and depth; about ten fit in a row.
- If the cups become pointed, slow down at the bottom of each one.
What this worksheet teaches
Valleys train the "under" curve — down, round and up — which is the movement of letters u, y and w and of the joining strokes in handwriting. Keeping each cup round at the bottom and bringing it back to the top line trains control of both curve and height. With medium rows, about 1.8 cm tall, 4–5-year-olds work with the wrist and fingers.
Play idea
Show how a swing moves: down, through the lowest point and up again. Your child swings a finger along the row like that, then traces the valleys with a pencil.
Questions and answers
Questions from parents
Which letters do valleys prepare for?
Letters with a curve at the bottom, such as u, y and w, and later the connecting strokes of joined writing.
Why do the valleys start at the top line?
Each cup hangs from the top guide line, so the pencil begins there, at the dot, and comes back to it after every dip.
Is this easier or harder than bridges?
About the same. Many children find one of them more natural, so practicing both balances the movement.