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.
ASL worksheet · Look-alike letters
Sort the Handshapes
Write each letter in the group that fits its handshape.
- Grade level
- Grades 2–5
- Time
- About 20 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:
- Write each letter in the group that fits its handshape. Make each one with your hand to check.
Words on this sheet
LettersClosed fistsideTips downMoves
Teacher tip
Before writing, have the class make every letter in the word bank once. Then call out a group name and see who can show all its letters.
How to use it
- Teach one look-alike group at a time and name the one difference that matters, like where the thumb goes.
- Have kids make each pair side by side, one hand each, and compare.
- 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
- What is the one thing that changes between M and N?
- How is your hand different from the picture? What would you change?
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
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.
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.
Free for teachers
Get the free Classroom Drawing Kit
12 printable pages: six step-by-step lessons, a grid activity, draw-and-write sheets and teacher notes, sent with your welcome email. After that, new classroom printables by email.