Shape Tracing Worksheets

Why trace shapes?

Shapes are the building blocks of letters and numbers. A circle becomes o, a and 0, triangles and diagonals appear in A and v, and squares and rectangles sit inside b, d and 4. Tracing shapes teaches pencil control, helps children learn the names of shapes, and gives early practice in the geometry vocabulary used at school.

How the worksheet works

Each row starts with a filled model shape and its name. Next to it are dotted copies to trace. A green dot shows where to start and a red arrow shows which way to go. At the bottom of the page a colouring strip repeats the shapes as plain outlines to colour in.

How to use the generator

1. Tap the shapes you want. Use All or None to change the whole list quickly.
2. Choose dotted or solid outlines. Dotted is easier to follow, solid gives a firm line to trace over.
3. Set how many shapes per page and how many copies to trace in each row.
4. Turn the names and the colouring strip on or off, then print or save as PDF. If you pick more shapes than fit on one page, extra pages are added for you.

Which shapes first?

Children usually manage to copy a circle at around age three, a square at about four and a triangle at about five, while the diamond often comes later. These ages are only a rough guide. Start with the circle, square, triangle and rectangle, then add the oval, star and heart. Hexagon, pentagon and octagon suit older children.

Activities to go with the worksheet

• Go on a shape hunt around the house and find a circle, a square and a triangle.
• Make shapes with playdough or sticks and compare them with the worksheet.
• Colour each shape a different colour and count the sides and corners together.