Letters Have Shapes: Lines, Curves, and Circles
Look at a big letter O. It is a circle! Now look at a letter L. It is two straight lines. Every single letter is made from just a few simple shapes: straight lines, curves, and circles. When you learn to see these shapes, letters stop being tricky squiggles. You start to see how each one is built, like blocks.
What You'll Learn
1. The three shape parts that build letters: lines, curves, and circles. 2. How some letters are all straight and some are all curvy. 3. How to draw a big, clear letter using its shapes.
Straight-Line Letters
Some letters are made of only straight lines. Look at T. It has one line going down and one line across the top. Look at H. It has two tall lines with a short line joining them in the middle. Straight letters feel sharp and pointy at the corners. Trace T, H, L, and E in the air with your finger. Feel how your finger goes straight, then turns a sharp corner.
Curvy and Round Letters
Other letters use curves and circles. The letter O is a full circle. The letter C is a circle with a bite taken out. The letter S is two curves, like a wiggly snake. Curvy letters feel smooth with no sharp corners. Trace O, C, and S in the air. Your finger swoops around instead of turning sharp corners.
When you learn a letter, draw it giant, as big as your whole paper. Big letters help your hand feel the shapes. Later you can make them small.
Some Letters Mix Shapes
A few letters use both straight lines and curves. The letter P has one straight line down and a little curve, like a bump, at the top. The letter B has one straight line and two bumps. When you see a new letter, ask: Is it straight, curvy, or a mix? That little question helps you draw it right.
Match each letter to the shapes it is made from.
Terms
Definitions
Drag terms onto their definitions, or click a term then click a definition to match.
Flashcards — click each card to reveal the answer
Which letter is made of only straight lines?
You want to draw a curvy letter. Which one should you pick?
Build a Letter Zoo
1. Get three crayons: one for lines, one for curves, one for circles. 2. Write the first letter of your name giant on paper. 3. Trace its straight parts in the line color, its curvy parts in the curve color, and any full circle in the circle color. 4. Do the same for two more letters. 5. Show a grown-up and tell them: Is each letter straight, curvy, or a mix? Your colorful letters are your finished letter zoo!
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