Handwriting IEP goals for preschool (ages 3 to 5)
8 of the handwriting templates in the library are written for preschool (ages 3 to 5). Each opens in the builder, where the grade band is a starting point and the baseline comes from your own assessment.
8 templates · 1 skill · Pre-K · How we write and review goals
Goals by skill
Numbers are illustrative; set targets from the student's own baseline.
Handwriting Motor & Sensory Skills (OT, PT & Adapted PE)
Copy pre-writing strokes and shapes
Pre-writing strokes
By the annual IEP review date, given a printed model of a vertical line, horizontal line, circle, cross, and square and a crayon, the student will copy each stroke so that it is recognizable and has the correct orientation independently with at least 80% accuracy on strokes copied recognizably, on 3 consecutive weekly work samples, as measured by work-sample analysis collected weekly during a writing center or OT session.
Write first name with correctly formed letters
Name writing
By the annual IEP review date, given a blank name line at the top of a worksheet, the student will write the first name with each letter formed correctly, in order, and facing the right direction independently with 100% accuracy on letters in the name formed correctly, on 4 of 5 consecutive daily work samples, as measured by work-sample analysis collected daily from the name line on class work, reviewed weekly.
Write uppercase letters from dictation
Uppercase letter formation
By the annual IEP review date, given each uppercase letter named aloud in random order and lined paper, the student will write each letter so that it is recognizable, faces the correct direction, and uses the taught stroke sequence independently with at least 90% accuracy on uppercase letters written correctly from dictation, on 3 consecutive weekly probes, as measured by work-sample analysis collected weekly on a 26-letter dictation probe.
Trace lines and letters staying within the path
Tracing
By the annual IEP review date, given a worksheet with half-inch-wide straight and curved paths and a crayon, the student will independently trace each path from start to end staying inside the boundaries, without lifting the crayon more than once with at least 85% accuracy on paths traced within the boundaries, on 3 consecutive weekly work samples, as measured by work-sample analysis collected weekly during a writing center or OT session.
Imitate lines, circles, and crosses after watching
Imitating strokes
By the annual IEP review date, after the adult draws a vertical line, a horizontal line, a circle, or a cross on the student's paper and covers it, the student will draw the same stroke, starting and ending in about the same places independently in at least 6 of 8 trials, across 3 consecutive weekly sessions, as measured by opportunity-by-opportunity data collected weekly during OT or fine motor centers.
Draw lines that start and stop at dots
Start and stop control
By the annual IEP review date, given a page with 8 pairs of green start dots and red stop dots 3 inches apart, the student will draw a line from the green dot to the red dot, stopping at the red dot independently with at least 75% accuracy on lines that start on the green dot and stop within a quarter inch of the red dot, on 3 consecutive weekly work samples, as measured by work-sample analysis collected weekly.
Preschool handwriting goals are measured inside daily routines rather than with worksheets, and the criteria are small: a few opportunities a day, a handful of steps, short periods of time. Conditions name the routine (circle, centers, snack) so any adult in the room can take the data.
Matching data sheets
Each goal above links to the blank sheet built for its measure. These are the sheets this set of goals uses:
Frequently asked questions
What do handwriting goals look like for preschool?
They describe a readiness or developmental skill performed during a classroom routine, with a criterion in opportunities or steps. The support level is written in, since most preschool goals start with prompting and fade it.
How often should preschool goals be measured?
A few opportunities on most days, recorded on a trial or task-analysis sheet. Short, frequent samples match how young children show skills.
Does a preschool IEP need the same parts as a school-age IEP?
Yes. Measurable annual goals, present levels, and progress reporting are required at every age under 34 CFR 300.320. Preschool IEPs may also address participation in appropriate activities rather than the general curriculum.
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