Letter U Handwriting Practice

Start at the top left, pull down and swing right along the bottom, then go up to the top right line. Say it as a smile. A Large row to start gives the curve plenty of room. A Medium row follows once the child is steady. Finish with up, under or umbrella on the blank lines, and draw the umbrella together. If the cup keeps coming out flat, repeat the Large row once more before moving on, and stop the session when the pencil starts to drag.

U trains a smooth curve at the bottom of a pair of straight sides. The usual issues are a flat base, which makes a box, or sides that are different heights, or a second stick drawn too short. Lowercase u has two sticks and a small cup, but the right stick extends down to the baseline, making it a letter that is tricky to tell apart from a v. A child should also not confuse it with n turned upside down.

On Large, aim for sides that match and a curve rounded like a bowl. If the child draws a V instead, show how the bottom should be wide, not pointed. Move to Medium after the cup is steady. Say smile or cup out loud while tracing to link the shape with a quiet word.

Why does my child draw U as a V?

The bottom is turning into a point instead of a curve. Ask them to trace like a bowl and slow down at the base. Drawing a smile first can help.

Do both sides of U start at the top?

Yes, in capital U both sides reach the top line and match in height. Lowercase u is shorter, with the right-hand stick running down to the baseline as well.

Is U an easy letter?

It is one of the easier ones, since it is a single curved stroke with no corners to place. The part that takes practice is making both sides match in height and the bottom round.