Letters children reverse
Letters Children Reverse: b, d, g, p, q and S Tracing Worksheets
The 6 letters children most often write backwards, each with the mistake, the fix and 3 free PDFs with numbered stroke order and a start dot on every letter. 18 sheets in 2 paper sizes. No signup.
- Bb , jump to letter B
- Dd , jump to letter D
- Gg , jump to letter G
- Pp , jump to letter P
- Qq , jump to letter Q
- Ss , jump to letter S
The pairs
Same shapes, opposite first stroke
Four of the six are two mirror pairs. The fix is the same for both pairs: give each letter a different first stroke, so the hand never has to choose which side the round part goes.
b and d
b starts with the stick, d starts with the c. Teach them weeks apart, never on the same day.
p and q
p starts with the stick going down under the line. q starts with the c. Same rule as b and d.
Letter by letter
6 letters, 18 free sheets
For each letter: what goes wrong, the tip that fixes it, and the three sheets. The full letter page has every step and all three common mistakes.
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Letter B
Capital 3 strokes, small 1 stroke
Full letter B page: every step, 3 mistakesb written as d
The belly ends up on the left. Always draw the stick first, then add the belly on the right-hand side.
Tip: b has its belly in front
Make two fists with the thumbs up. The left hand makes a b and the right hand makes a d. "The b comes first, so its belly points forward." The bed trick works too: b-e-d looks like a bed with the posts on the outside.
Capital B Small b 
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Letter D
Capital 2 strokes, small 1 stroke
Full letter D page: every step, 3 mistakesd written as b
Starting with the stick puts the belly on the wrong side. Start with the c instead.
Tip: d is a c that grew a tall stick
Children who start d with the stick are the ones who flip it. Start with the curve every time, then go up and down. "c, up, down" is the chant.
Capital D Small d 
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Letter G
Capital 1 stroke, small 1 stroke
Full letter G page: every step, 3 mistakesTail hooks the wrong way
The hook on g points left. A hook to the right is a reversed g. Finish under the circle.
Tip: g goes under the line on purpose
Give the tail somewhere to go. On our sheets the space under the base line is clear, so the hook has room. Say "c, up, down, hook" and tap the table on "down".
Capital G Small g 
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Letter P
Capital 2 strokes, small 1 stroke
Full letter P page: every step, 3 mistakesp written as q
The belly ends up behind the stick. Draw the stick first, then add the belly on the right.
Tip: p and b have their bellies in front
Both letters start with the stick and put the belly on the right. The only difference is that p's stick hangs under the line. "Stick down, belly in front" works for both.
Capital P Small p 
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Letter Q
Capital 2 strokes, small 1 stroke
Full letter Q page: every step, 3 mistakesq written as p
Starting with the stick puts the circle on the wrong side. Start with the c, then draw the tail.
Tip: q is the only one that flicks right
g hooks left, j hooks left, y hooks left. q flicks right. That one difference is enough for children to tell q from g and p. "q flicks to the queen" sticks well.
Capital Q Small q 
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Letter S
Capital 1 stroke, small 1 stroke
Full letter S page: every step, 3 mistakesBackwards S
Starting on the left makes the letter flip. Always start on the right.
Tip: say it as you trace
"Round the top, slide down, round the bottom." Saying the movement out loud helps children remember where S changes direction, the moment where most backwards letters happen.
Capital S Small s
Questions
About letter reversals
- Is it normal for a child to write letters backwards?
- Yes, for most children up to about age 7. Letter reversals are a normal part of learning to write. If reversals are still frequent after age 7 or 8, mention it to the class teacher.
- Why do children reverse b and d?
- They are the same two shapes in a different order. A child who starts both with the round part will flip one of them. Starting b with the stick and d with the c removes the choice.
- Why is S the most reversed letter?
- S is the only common letter that changes direction twice in one stroke. Starting on the left, which feels natural for a right-handed child, flips it. The sheet puts the start dot on the right.
- How should I use these sheets?
- One letter at a time. Trace the letter while saying the movement out loud, then copy it. Stop after a row or two: tired hands reverse letters. Do not practise b and d, or p and q, on the same day.
Coming soon to iOS
The app catches a backwards letter as it happens
Penny the Pencil shows the path, waits for the right start and gently restarts a reversed stroke before it becomes a habit. Letter Tracing App: coming soon to iOS.
Notify me at launch