Ages 3–5 · Shapes

Circle tracing worksheets

Closing a circle is a small milestone many children are proud of. The crayon has to keep curving in the same direction all the way round and arrive back where it started, which takes a steady hand and a bit of planning.

Each circle on these sheets starts at the very top with a solid green disc and an arrow pointing the way round. The dots follow the curve evenly, then stop a little short of the start, where a finish ring waits with clear space before the start disc so the two never crowd together. The bigger setting draws four circles about 70 mm across; the smaller setting fits six circles of 50 mm.

Circles show up everywhere: suns, balloons, faces, wheels. Once the dotted version is done, drawing a face inside or rays around the outside makes a satisfying finish.

Generate this worksheetOpens the generator with these settings

Preview the sheets

Sheet with four large dotted circles, each with a start dot at the top and an arrowCirclesStart at the solid dot. Go the way the arrow points, all the way round.Ages 3–5NameStartFinishdotandtrace.comParent tip: trace each circle in the air with a finger before picking up a crayon.
Four big circles
Sheet with six smaller dotted circles in two rowsCirclesStart at the solid dot. Go the way the arrow points, all the way round.Ages 3–5NameStartFinishdotandtrace.comParent tip: trace each circle in the air with a finger before picking up a crayon.
Six smaller circles
Sheet with a big and a small dotted circle beside a big and a small dotted squareCircles & squaresStart at the solid dot. Go the way the arrow points, all the way round.Ages 3–5NameStartFinishcirclesquaresmall circlesmall squaredotandtrace.comParent tip: trace each shape in the air with a finger before picking up a crayon.
Circles and squares
Circle sheet with light grey dots and outline start and finish markersCirclesStart at the solid dot. Go the way the arrow points, all the way round.Ages 3–5NameStartFinishdotandtrace.comParent tip: trace each circle in the air with a finger before picking up a crayon.
Ink-saver version

Tips for circles

  • Trace round a cup or lid together first, so your child feels the shape of a full turn.
  • Start at the top dot and say “round and round” as you go, slowing down near the finish ring.
  • Turn finished circles into suns, balloons or wheels with a few extra marks.
  • If the circle comes out oval or lumpy, that is part of learning the shape; praise reaching the ring.
  • Big circles on a whiteboard or in chalk outside build the same arm movement on a larger scale.
  • Roll a ball of play-dough into a long snake and curl it into a circle on top of the dotted line before tracing.

Settings used

Dots Ø 2.4 mm · 5.5 mm apart
Start dot Ø 8 mm · finish ring Ø 6.4 mm
16 mm margins · A4 or US Letter

Questions parents ask

Why do the circles start at the top?

Starting at the top and going round is the way many children are later shown to form letters such as c, a and o. It also gives the arrow an obvious place to sit. Your child does not have to follow it perfectly at this stage. Many children try both directions for a while before one starts to feel natural, and that exploring is part of getting to know the shape.

Why does the circle stop before the start?

If the finish ring sat right on top of the start disc, the two would overlap and the end would be hard to see. Stopping a short distance before the start keeps a clear gap, so your child can see exactly where to stop.

How big should the circles be for a young child?

Bigger circles are usually easier, because large arm movements come before small, precise ones. Start with the Bigger setting at around 70 mm across and move to the smaller circles once those feel comfortable. The generator lets you adjust dot size and spacing as well. Keeping the dots big while the circles get smaller, or the other way round, changes only one thing at a time.

Can I combine circles with squares on one sheet?

Yes. Pick the Circles & squares style in the generator. It places a big circle and square at the top and smaller versions below, which is handy for comparing a smooth curve with four corners on the same page.

Related worksheets

Square tracing worksheets Cross tracing worksheets Pre-writing worksheets for 3-year-olds