ASL worksheet · Look-alike letters
Letters That Move: J and Z
J and Z are the only letters that move. Trace the path each one draws in the air.
- 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:
- J starts as an I (only the pinky up) and the pinky draws a J in the air. Z uses only the pointer finger, which draws a Z in the air.
- Make each handshape, then trace the letter it draws.
- Circle the answer.
- Which finger draws the J?
- Which finger draws the Z?
- J starts with the handshape for which letter?
- How many letters in the ASL alphabet move?
Teacher tip
Stand behind the class facing the same way so kids can copy your motion without mirroring it. Draw J and Z slowly, then let them try.
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
Thumbs in the wrong spot. For A the thumb is at the side, for S it is across the front.
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
Make a class poster of each look-alike group with kids’ own clue words.
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
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.
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.
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.
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