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The Tracing Question block assesses learners’ tracing accuracy and coverage for letters, numbers, words, or shapes. Learners trace along guides, and their performance is automatically scored based on how accurately they follow the path and how much of the target they complete. This block measures both tracing accuracy (how close to the guide) and coverage (how much of the target was traced). You can set minimum thresholds and choose scoring methods to match your assessment goals.
For practice and skill building without formal assessment, use the Tracing block instead.

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When to use Tracing Question blocks

Tracing Question blocks work well for:
  • Assessing letter formation and handwriting development
  • Evaluating fine motor skill progress
  • Testing shape recognition and drawing ability
  • Measuring improvement in tracing accuracy over time
  • Providing structured practice with measurable outcomes

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Settings

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Content settings

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select
default:"letters"
What learners will trace:
  • Letters: Individual letters or letter combinations
  • Numbers: Digits and number combinations
  • Words: Full words or short phrases
  • Shapes: Geometric and decorative shapes
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text
default:"A"
The letters, numbers, or words to trace (up to 80 characters). Used for all modes except shapes.
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select
default:"line"
When content mode is shapes, choose from:
  • Line: Simple straight line
  • Circle: Round shape
  • Square: Four-sided square
  • Triangle: Three-sided triangle
  • Rectangle: Four-sided rectangle
  • Star: Five-pointed star
  • Heart: Heart shape
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slider
default:"1"
How many times the content appears for tracing (1–12). Each repetition contributes to the overall score.

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Visual guides

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select
default:"dashed"
The appearance of the tracing guide:
  • Dashed: Dotted line for clear guidance
  • Solid: Continuous line outline
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slider
default:"16"
Thickness of the guide lines (2–40 pixels). Affects assessment sensitivity.
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slider
default:"14"
Thickness of the learner’s traced line (2–40 pixels). Visual feedback during tracing.
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slider
default:"18"
Acceptable distance from the guide for accurate tracing (0–80 pixels). Lower values require more precision.

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Helper indicators

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switch
default:"true"
When enabled, displays where learners should begin tracing.
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switch
default:"true"
When enabled, shows the correct direction for tracing movements.

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Colors

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color
default:"#94A3B8"
Color of the guide lines that show the tracing target.
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color
default:"#2563EB"
Color of the line that appears as learners trace.

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Assessment settings

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slider
default:"70"
Minimum percentage of tracing that must be within tolerance to pass (0–100%).
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slider
default:"70"
Minimum percentage of the target that must be traced to pass (0–100%).
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select
default:"both"
How the final score is calculated:
  • Both thresholds: Must meet both minimum accuracy and coverage
  • Average: Average of accuracy and coverage percentages
  • Accuracy only: Based only on accuracy percentage
  • Coverage only: Based only on coverage percentage
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slider
default:"3"
How many times learners can attempt the tracing before it’s marked (1–20).

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Tips for teachers and parents

Best practices:
  • Set realistic thresholds based on learner ability and age
  • Use appropriate tolerance levels for the target audience
  • Provide clear instructions about tracing expectations
  • Consider the device type (touchscreen vs. mouse) when setting tolerance
  • Test your questions to ensure they’re fair and achievable
Assessment design strategies: For diagnostic assessment:
  • Set moderate thresholds (60-70%) to identify areas needing work
  • Use single letters or simple shapes for focused assessment
  • Allow multiple attempts to see improvement patterns
  • Focus on accuracy over speed initially
For formative assessment:
  • Use “both thresholds” scoring to ensure complete performance
  • Set achievable standards that encourage effort
  • Provide immediate feedback through visual scoring
  • Use results to guide instruction and practice
For summative assessment:
  • Set higher thresholds (80-90%) for mastery demonstration
  • Use comprehensive content (words, complex shapes)
  • Limit attempts to measure independent ability
  • Document progress over time with consistent settings
Threshold setting guidelines: For young learners (3-5 years):
  • Accuracy: 50-60%
  • Coverage: 60-70%
  • High tolerance (20-30 pixels)
  • Multiple attempts allowed
For developing writers (6-8 years):
  • Accuracy: 65-75%
  • Coverage: 70-80%
  • Medium tolerance (15-20 pixels)
  • 2-3 attempts
For fluent writers (9+ years):
  • Accuracy: 80-90%
  • Coverage: 85-95%
  • Lower tolerance (10-15 pixels)
  • Limited attempts
Creating effective questions: Single letter assessment:
  • Focus on letters causing difficulty
  • Use consistent starting points and directions
  • Set tolerance appropriate for letter complexity
  • Compare performance across letter families
Word-level assessment:
  • Choose familiar vocabulary
  • Allow for natural letter spacing
  • Consider word length in threshold setting
  • Test both uppercase and lowercase as appropriate
Shape-based assessment:
  • Start with simple shapes before complex ones
  • Use shapes that connect to curriculum content
  • Consider fine motor development expectations
  • Progress from large to small movements
Scoring method selection: Use “Both thresholds” when:
  • You need complete, accurate performance
  • Assessment is high-stakes
  • Learners have sufficient skill level
  • You want to ensure thorough completion
Use “Average” when:
  • You want balanced performance across both measures
  • Learners struggle with one area more than the other
  • You need a single composite score
  • Assessment is more diagnostic than summative
Use “Accuracy only” when:
  • Precision is more important than completion
  • Learners tend to rush through without care
  • Fine motor control is the primary learning goal
  • You’re assessing letter formation quality
Use “Coverage only” when:
  • Completion is more important than precision
  • Learners are very cautious or slow
  • You’re assessing persistence and task completion
  • Motor challenges affect accuracy but not effort
Technical considerations:
  • Test on the actual devices learners will use
  • Consider screen size and input method differences
  • Adjust tolerance for stylus vs. finger input
  • Account for device responsiveness and lag
  • Provide consistent instructions about input tools
Data interpretation:
  • Look for patterns across multiple attempts
  • Compare accuracy vs. coverage for diagnostic insights
  • Track improvement over time with consistent settings
  • Use data to inform instructional planning
  • Consider qualitative observations alongside quantitative scores