Grades 2–5
Two-Finger Letters: U, V, R and K
Four letters use two fingers up. Read what makes each one different, then name each handshape.
ASL worksheet · Look-alike letters
Fist Letters: A, S, T, M, N and E
These six letters all start with a closed hand. Read where the thumb goes, then name each handshape.
- Grade level
- Grades 2–5
- Time
- About 15 minutes
- Topic
- Look-alike letters
- Answer key
- Yes, page 2 of the PDF
- Kids practice
- Telling apart A, S, T, M, N and E, Telling apart U, V, R and K, Reading the direction G, H, P and Q point, Making the motion for J and Z
What kids do
Printed on the sheet:
- Look at the thumb
- A: a fist with the thumb resting against the side of the pointer finger.
- S: a fist with the thumb across the front of the fingers.
- T: the thumb tucked between the pointer finger and the middle finger.
- M: the thumb tucked under three fingers. N: the thumb tucked under two fingers.
- E: the fingertips curl down to rest on the thumb, which is tucked across the palm.
- Write the letter for each handshape.
Teacher tip
Have kids watch only the thumb. Say a letter and let the class show it while you walk the room and check thumbs: side for A, front for S, peeking between fingers for T.
How to use it
- Have kids make each pair side by side, one hand each, and compare.
- Read the clue box aloud before kids name the handshapes.
- Make every handshape with your own hand as kids work. Your hand is the best model in the room.
Watch for
Mixing up U and V. U fingers touch; V fingers spread.
Talk about it
- Why do you think A, S and T are so easy to mix up?
- Which letters look almost the same? How do you tell them apart?
Take it further
Sign a look-alike letter and have kids show thumbs up if it is the one you named.
US Letter, prints well in black and white. Free for home and classroom use: print as many copies as you need.
More look-alike letters worksheets
Grades 2–5
Sideways and Down Letters: G, H, P and Q
G and H point to the side. P and Q tip down. Name each handshape.
Grades 2–5
Letters That Move: J and Z
J and Z are the only letters that move. Trace the path each one draws in the air.
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