Before letters and numbers
Use pre-writing lines when a child is still learning to guide a pencil across the page. Broad lines, waves and arches build control without asking the child to remember a symbol at the same time. Dot to dot adds number order once counting is familiar.
First handwriting
Name and letter tracing work well when print is new. Begin with a small target, keep handwriting rules visible and finish with one blank line. Number tracing belongs here too, but a beginner should master 1-10 before moving to a crowded 1-100 page.
Words and joined writing
Word tracing is useful for a short spelling list that the child can already read. Cursive tools suit learners who print comfortably and are ready to practise joins, rhythm and slant. A familiar name is often the easiest first connected word.