5 Tricky Lowercase Letters

Today we have lots of free printables for you that help kids recognize the typewritten forms of various lowercase letters!

You’ve probably noticed that some lowercase letters look different when they are handwritten than when they are typewritten. For example, take a look at lowercase letters A and G below.

Lowercase letters “q”, “t”, and “y” can be tricky for beginning readers, too. Fortunately, hands-on activities are an easy way to help your child become familiar with the different forms of these letters.

Fun Practice for Tricky Lowercase Letters!

Tricky Lowercase Letter A

A typewritten lowercase A looks very different than a handwritten lowercase A. Help your child learn to recognize three different styles of this tricky letter.

Tricky Lowercase Letter G

A handwritten lowercase G has an open loop or “fishtail,” while many typewritten forms have a closed loop. These activities will help your child recognize both!

Tricky Lowercase Letter Q

Depending on whether it is handwritten or typewritten, lowercase Q can have a descender with a curvy or straight tail…or no tail at all! That’s extra tricky!

Tricky Lowercase Letter T

Lowercase letter T can also be written different ways. Most handwritten forms have a straight stick, while most typewritten forms have a bit of a curl at the bottom.

Tricky Lowercase Letter Y

A typewritten Y is usually straight. A handwritten Y can be either straight or curvy. Can your child recognize all three?

Recognizing the various forms of lowercase A, G, Q, T, and Y is part of letter knowledge, one of the Big Five Skills that help kids prepare for learning to read.

Are you wondering if your child is ready for formal reading instruction? Download this checklist to measure your child’s reading readiness.

Let me know in the comments below if your child enjoyed these letter recognition activities!