Zig-Zag Line Tracing Worksheet – Pre-Writing Practice

Light up learning with zig-zag tracing practice!
This zig-zag line tracing worksheet helps children master sharp, angled movements by following dotted lines that move up and down across the page — just like lightning bolts connecting to a light bulb.
It’s a fun, visual way to introduce diagonal and corner-based strokes that prepare kids for handwriting and drawing shapes.

The activity builds fine motor strength, pencil grip, and hand–eye coordination, while keeping tracing exciting through imaginative play.

What’s Inside the Zig-Zag Line Worksheet

This printable offers a bold, engaging design that helps early learners focus on movement and precision.

• 5 zig-zag dotted lines that vary slightly in size and angle for practice
• A bright lightning bolt on the left and a glowing light bulb on the right
• Simple layout designed to improve tracing accuracy and concentration
• Encourages directional awareness and control over quick direction changes

Each row challenges children to trace steady, controlled angles — a great way to practice the hand motions used in letters like M, N, V, and W.

How to Use This Printable

1. Print on A4 or US Letter paper.
2. Start at the lightning and trace along the dotted zig-zag toward the light bulb.
3. Use crayons, markers, or pencils for tracing.
4. Show how to lift and turn the pencil slightly at each corner to stay on the lines.
5. Repeat the activity using different colors for each line to make it more fun.
6. Encourage slow, careful tracing for smooth direction changes and sturdy pencil control.

You can also turn this into a mini storytelling session — imagine the lightning “powering up” the light bulb as your child completes each line!

Learning Benefits

The zig-zag line tracing worksheet supports the essential early writing and drawing skills young learners need before forming letters.

• Strengthens fine motor muscles and pencil grip
• Teaches control for angles and corners
• Improves visual tracking and coordination
• Builds focus, patience, and precision
• Reinforces left-to-right movement used in writing
• Encourages creative thinking through themed tracing play

Zig-zag tracing is one of the best exercises for children learning to manage sharp turns and diagonal lines — skills that make writing neater and easier later on.

Download the free printable PDF below and let your little learners trace the zig-zag paths as the lightning powers up the light bulb!
Keep exploring our Pre-Writing Activities Collection for more engaging and skill-building printables.