After years of research, testing, and working with children both at home and in our sensory classes, the Handwriting Without Tears® approach is the method we’ve chosen to guide our letter learning.
Not because it’s trendy.
But because it works.
This system is:
- Play-based
- Developmentally aligned
- Clear and confidence-building for young learners
Most importantly, it respects how children actually learn to write.
Why We Start With Uppercase Letters
In the Handwriting Without Tears method, children begin with uppercase letters first.
Here’s why:
- Uppercase letters use fewer shapes
- They all start at the top, reducing confusion
- They rely on simple strokes before curves and diagonals
This makes letter learning more predictable and less frustrating for preschoolers.
The 4 Building Shapes of Letters
Instead of memorizing letters right away, children first learn to build letters using shapes.
All uppercase letters are made using just four basic pieces:
- Big line
- Little line
- Big curve
- Little curve
By mastering these shapes, children gain confidence and control before ever picking up a pencil.
Start With “Their Letter”
Before teaching the alphabet in order, begin with the letters in your child’s name.
This becomes their letter — the one they recognize everywhere.
📍 Tip for everyday learning:
Point it out on signs, labels, and books when you’re out and about.
This creates natural motivation and meaningful repetition.
The Best Order to Teach Uppercase Letters
Instead of starting with A and B (which can be tricky), this method introduces letters in developmental order.
1. Straight Line Letters
These use only vertical and horizontal strokes — the easiest to master.
L, F, E, H, T, I
Children often experience quick success here, which builds confidence.
2. Curve Letters
Once straight lines are mastered, curves are introduced.
U, C, O, Q, G, S, J, D, P, B
3. Diagonal Letters
These require more control and are saved for last.
R, K, A, N, M, V, W, X, Y, Z
This progression respects how fine motor skills develop over time.
How to Do This Activity at Home
Use wooden pieces, foam pieces, or printable shapes to build letters instead of writing them.
- Build letters on a mat or tray
- Say the letter name out loud
- Trace the finished letter with a finger
- Keep sessions short and playful
The goal is letter awareness and confidence, not perfection.
🎥 Watch the Activity in Action
Below is a short video showing how we build letters using this method in real time:
This demonstrates:
- How to introduce shapes
- How to guide without correcting
- How to keep the activity playful
Teaching Tip
If your child loses interest:
- Stop
- Switch letters
- Come back another day
Letter learning should feel successful and playful, never rushed.
Want a Done-For-You Version of This Activity?
This lesson is part of Learning Binder 4, which expands on this method with:
- Letter-building templates
- Correct letter order
- Tracing practice
- Letter sounds and reinforcement activities
Binder 4 is not required to do this activity — but it’s a helpful option if you want a structured, step-by-step system already prepared for you.
Want More Preschool Learning Through Play?
This activity is part of our Preschool Curriculum, where each month builds skills intentionally through hands-on experiences.
✨ Sign up to access the full curriculum and receive guided activities, videos, and support delivered to you.