Best Letter Tracing Apps for Kids

abCursive is a letter tracing app that teaches children how to write letters in cursive style. Children can draw on the device screen to trace the letters. 

Features

• Demonstrations of cursive letters and words, including animations
• Custom word entry for animated cursive formation
• Interactive practice with overwriting and copying
• Compatible with iOS devices, usable on iPads in compatibility mode
• Age-neutral design suitable for all users secure in printed handwriting

Pros

• High-quality, flexible animations showing correct pen movements
• User-friendly, intuitive interface with minimal learning curve
• Supports learning at the user's pace without pressure
• Appropriate for a wide range of learners, including special educational needs
• Compatible with Family Sharing on iOS

Cons

• Limited optimization for iPad, especially for Apple Pencil features
• Does not rate written accuracy, leaving self-assessment to the user
• May not align with specific cursive styles taught in some schools
• Lacks trial or lite version before purchase
• No pressure sensitivity or pen tilt features for more artistic cursive writing

Cost: $2.99

Devices: iPhone

Baby Joy Joy Tracing Letters is a free app that helps young children learn the alphabet and how to write letters. This app uses repetition and copying to teach the children how to form the letters. This app also introduces the children to the sounds and words associated with the letters.

Features

• Interactive learning of alphabet letters, sounds, and related words
• Guided instructions for letter formation
• Inclusive, non-distracting colors and sounds
• Matching game for reinforcing learning
• Designed for young children, suitable for ages 3+

Pros

• Easy to use for both children and guiding adults
• Simultaneous learning of letter writing, names, and sounds
• Additional learning game enhances user engagement
• Supports independent and parent-assisted learning
• Free to download with some free content

Cons

• Matching game does not vocalize picture names when clicked
• Lacks a feature to track or display learning progress
• Full access to all letters and ad removal requires payment
• May require adult assistance for younger children
• Limited differentiation for varying user needs

Cost: Free to try a few alphabets

Devices: Android, iPhone, and iPad

Dela Kids is a free letter-tracing app that helps young children who are just starting to learn English. This app helps children to know the letters of the alphabet, how to write them correctly, and how to gain confidence in their English skills. It is perfect for Pre-K, Kindergarten, and First Grade classrooms and After-School Programs making it one of the best free apps for kids. 

Kids can trace letters and parents can co-play with them to help them with tracing and letter recognition. This app also has an audio/visual representation of the alphabet, which lets the user hear and see the letters and how they are formed.

Features

• Interactive games and exercises for English language learning
• Audio/visual representation of the alphabet with a simple song
• Guided instructions for letter formation
• Incorporates animals or objects starting with each letter
• Option to earn stickers as a reward for learning progress

Pros

• High-quality graphics and sound enhance learning
• Free to use with substantial content, optional paid full access
• Appropriate for young children and ESL learners
• Regular praise and encouragement throughout the app
• Effective repetitive activities for memory reinforcement

Cons

• Contains ads in the free version
• Limited information available on the developer's website
• May require adult guidance for younger users
• Additional content and ad removal require payment
• Focused mainly on alphabet learning, may not suit advanced learners

Cost: Free to try the limited content

Devices: Android, iPhone and iPad

ABC Kids - Tracing and Phonics is a free app that teaches children how to write letters and sounds. This app has four mini-games that focus on letter writing, letter matching, basic phonics, and letter-word association.

This app requires children to use their fingers to trace letters, match uppercase and lowercase letters and identify a given letter from a group. Letter recognition and fine motor skills are needed for play. Some phonics are used with letter names rather than sound correspondence the main focus of play.

Features

• Trace letters, match uppercase and lowercase, and letter identification games
• Focus on letter name recognition and fine motor skills
• Encouraging feedback and rewards with stickers and gift boxes
• Friendly lion character guiding the activities
• Offline functionality with no online information required

Pros

• Enhances letter recognition and fine motor skills
• Engaging rewards system to motivate children
• No in-app purchasing or third-party advertising
• Positive reinforcement through encouraging words and progression
• Playable without internet connectivity

Cons

• Uses American accents and spelling, which may confuse non-American learners
• Forefinger tracing might conflict with developing correct pencil grip in older children
• Complex menu navigation for young children, requiring parental assistance
• Limited phonics focus, emphasizing letter names over sounds
• Some gameplay elements may frustrate very young children

Cost: Free

Devices: Android, iPhone and iPad

LetterSchool is a fun and interactive app that teaches children how to write letters (both uppercase and lowercase letters) and numbers (from 1 to 10). This app uses four activities to help children learn how to write letters and numbers in an animated and fun way.

LetterSchool is one of the best handwriting and spelling apps available in 11 different languages and is used in over 5000 schools. This app helps the children to learn the cursive handwriting style. LetterSchool is a great learning tool for children with special needs.

Features

• Teaches writing of letters (upper and lower case) and numbers (1-10)
• Four interactive activities for learning letter and number formation
• Includes activities for forming shapes, letters, numbers, and CVC/CVCC words
• Research-based approach to learning handwriting
• Flexible structure, suitable for linear progression or selective access

Pros

• Engaging design with high-quality graphics and animations
• Step-by-step guidance through activities
• Suitable for home and school use, adaptable for various ages and abilities
• Interactive and intuitive gameplay keeps users engaged
• Comprehensive development from basic shapes to complex words

Cons

• May require adult guidance for younger users
• Focused mainly on English language, limiting its use for non-English learners
• Could be overly complex for children at the very beginning stages of learning
• Does not cover numbers beyond 10, limiting its scope for older or more advanced users
• Lacks assessment or tracking of learning progress

Cost: Free (first five alphabets) then subscribe

Devices: Android, iPhone, and iPad

ABC alphabet worksheets will help your kids to write letters of the alphabet. Each letter-tracing activity includes step-by-step instructions on how to write letters properly. Useful tips are provided for each exercise to help your child. 

Their free printables are designed to help kids learn ABC as well as train motor skills and practice writing and tracing letters.

Features

• Adaptive learning with educational games, interactive worksheets, quizzes, songs, books, and videos
• Step-by-Step Learning Path for structured lessons across subjects
• Video introductions to subjects with clear and logical instruction
• Printable and device-friendly self-marking worksheets
• Multiple player accounts with parent and teacher administration areas

Pros

• Engaging and well-designed interface with animations and color schemes
• Content suitable for a wide range of abilities, including gifted children
• In-depth section on chess for advanced learners
• Tracks student progress for parent and educator insights
• Free to download with a 7-day trial period and summer discount offers

Cons

• Requires internet connection for downloading new content
• Not specifically focused on gifted and talented children in all subjects
• Subscription required after trial for full access
• May occupy significant storage space on the device
• Limited offline usability

Cost: Free with in-app purchases

Devices: Android, iPhone, and iPad

abc PocketPhonics app helps kids learn to write letters and sounds including letter formation. This letter tracing app uses the Phonics method, as taught in UK schools, to develop reading skills. It also matches the order in which schools will usually teach the different sounds, as defined in the National Curriculum.

Features

• Phonics-based reading and writing instruction
• Aligns with UK National Curriculum and letter sound order
• Over 170 high frequency words and 30+ letter combination sounds
• Interactive activities for letter tracing and simple spelling
• Online progress reporting and customizable settings

Pros

• Comprehensive coverage of phonics for early reading
• Customizable for individual learning needs
• Engaging auditory, visual, and kinesthetic learning methods
• Includes letter sounds and spelling in various manuscript styles
• Effective use of praise and rewards to motivate learning

Cons

• Limited to English language learners, specifically aligned with UK curriculum
• Some graphics and representations may be unclear for younger users
• Repetitive format may become monotonous for some learners
• Requires payment for full access to content
• Subscription model for accessing storybooks

Cost: Paid

Devices: iPhone and iPad

ABC Preschool is an interactive app for young children that lets them do three activities exploring various skills. Children can be creative and colour in pre-set images or draw freestyle on a blank canvas. They can also practice the hand movement of drawing individual alphabet letters by tracing over dotted lines.

Features

• Three interactive activities: colouring, letter tracing, and memory games
• Freehand drawing and colouring on a blank canvas
• Alphabet tracing with both upper and lower case letters
• Memory game with matching pairs of images
• Visual and auditory reinforcement for letter learning

Pros

• Encourages fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination
• Supports letter recognition and memory skills
• Offers creative expression through drawing and coloring
• Appropriate for a range of young ages with varied activities
• Visually appealing and easy to navigate interface

Cons

• May not equally engage all age groups across all activities
• Limited challenge level for older children in some activities
• Memory game might be difficult for very young children
• Lacks progressive difficulty or complexity in activities
• No tracking or reporting of progress for parents or educators

Cost: Free

Devices: Android

Writing Wizard - Kids Learn to Write Letters from L’Escapadou is an app that teaches children how to trace letters and numbers. This app also includes some letter naming and phonetic sounds. This app allows the children to learn how to write in smaller and longer forms.

Features

• Teaches tracing of letters, numbers, and words
• Incorporates letter naming and phonetic sounds
• Progresses from patterns to letters (lower and upper case), numbers, and words
• Interactive graphics and sound effects to enhance engagement
• Detailed parent reports with replay of letter formation

Pros

• Highly engaging with animations and interactivity
• Effective for developing fine motor skills
• Customizable settings including handwriting style options
• 5-Stars progressive tracing system for skill development
• Useful for typically developing learners and those with fine motor challenges

Cons

• May require frequent parent or teacher involvement for optimal use
• Limited to letters, numbers, and basic words, not advanced writing skills
• Requires in-app printing for offline practice
• Could be overwhelming with too many animations and sound effects for some children
• Lacks a broader curriculum beyond tracing and basic phonetics

Cost: Free

Devices: Android, iPhone and iPad

Little Writer is a well-crafted letter formation app that makes letter tracing fun and easy for young children. The children can trace letters, numbers, shapes, and words on colorful screens by using easy tracing techniques.

Features

• Tracing of uppercase and lowercase ABCs, numbers 1-10, and basic shapes
• Includes a collection of three and four-letter words for tracing
• Customizable content with the ability to add personal words and pictures
• Interactive and engaging tracing activities, like guiding a crab through pineapples
• Option to record in parent's voice and include foreign language characters

Pros

• Highly engaging and fun for children, making tracing enjoyable
• User-friendly interface suitable for toddlers and young kids
• Customization enhances personal relevance and learning
• Supports development of fine motor skills and muscle memory
• Free to use with a variety of learning modes

Cons

• No defined end to activities, requiring manual return to main menu
• May lack complexity for more advanced learners
• Limited in scope to basic letter, number, and shape tracing
• Potential for repetitiveness over extended use
• Lacks a structured progression or difficulty levels

Cost: Free

Devices: iPhone and iPad