Trace, copy, recall
Tracing alone can become a copying exercise. Use a three-step sequence: trace the model, copy it on the next line, then write it from memory. The last step is what builds spelling.
Choosing words
- Preschool: the child’s name and simple CVC words.
- Kindergarten: sight words and short vowel words.
- Grade 1–2: spelling lists, days and months, topic vocabulary.
- Older students: subject terms and words they consistently misspell.
Handwriting details
Keep the line height matched to the child’s control: 3/4 inch or larger for beginners, 1/2 inch for grade 2 and up. A dotted midline helps with lowercase height. The word tracing generator accepts any list and prints dotted or gray models; for irregular high-frequency words, use sight words.
In practice
A second grader spells "becaus" on Friday’s test. Tracing the word on Monday, copying it on Tuesday and writing it from memory on Wednesday separates the shape, the spelling and the recall instead of repeating the same mistake all week.
Common mistakes
| Problem | Usually because | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| The child only traces | The model is never removed | Add a copy line and a blank line |
| The words are too long | The list is copied wholesale | Choose 5–8 words per page |
| Handwriting falls apart | The line height is too small | Match the line height to the child’s control |
Word tracing 
Sight words 
CVC words