Letter and number reversals worksheets

Printable letter reversal worksheets for kindergarten: a b d p q chart with start dots, tracing pages for b and d and for p and q, a which-way-does-it-face page, b and d balloons to color and a missing b or d picture page.

The worksheets

  1. See it allb d p q Chart for kindergarten (letter and number reversals), free printable

    b d p q Chart

    b, d, p and q in big handwriting with numbered start dots, a picture and word for each, simple steps to say out loud, and the numbers that often flip (2, 3, 5, 7 and 9).

  2. Trace b and d worksheet for kindergarten (letter and number reversals), free printable

    Trace b and d

    Rows of b and d that take turns, each with a big model letter, three letters to trace from the start dot and space to write more.

  3. Trace p and q worksheet for kindergarten (letter and number reversals), free printable

    Trace p and q

    Rows of p and q that take turns, each with a big model letter, three letters to trace from the start dot and space to write more.

  4. Which Way Does It Face? worksheet for kindergarten (letter and number reversals), free printable

    Which Way Does It Face?

    Pairs of numbers and letters like 3, 7, s and e, with one of each pair flipped. Fewer, Standard or More give 6, 8 or 12 pairs. Includes an answer key.

  5. Color the b and d Balloons worksheet for kindergarten (letter and number reversals), free printable

    Color the b and d Balloons

    Big balloons with b or d to color using a two-color key. Fewer, Standard or More give 8, 12 or 16 balloons. Includes an answer key.

  6. Missing b or d worksheet for kindergarten (letter and number reversals), free printable

    Missing b or d

    Pictures like bed, bus, dog and duck with the first letter left out. Circle b or d, then write it in. Fewer, Standard or More give 6, 8 or 10 pictures. Includes an answer key.

Print the whole packet

How much on the page?

One copy of every sheet above, in order. Tap + for more copies (up to 10).

For the parent or teacher

What it is

These sheets help kids who flip letters and numbers, like writing b for d or a backwards 3. They show where each letter starts and which way it goes, give plenty of tracing, and turn telling look-alikes apart into a game. Flipping letters is common while kids are learning to write. These sheets are not a test and not a diagnosis.

What comes next

Teach in order or jump to whatever your student needs. The Reading helpers topic has more look-alike letter practice, and 1st grade Letter and number reversals uses b, d, p and q in words and sentences.

How to teach it

  • Start every letter at the green dot and say the steps out loud, like "line down, then the ball."
  • Trace big first, in the air or on the table, then on paper.
  • Practice one look-alike letter until it feels easy before mixing it with its twin.
  • Keep it short and stop while it's still going well.

Common mistakes

  • Correcting every flip. Point to the chart or the start dot instead of saying "no."
  • Mixing b and d before either one feels solid. Practice them apart, then together.
  • Waiting a long time to ask for help. If flips stay very frequent along with other reading or writing trouble, talk with your child's teacher or doctor.