What skill is reinforced when kindergarten children trace letters in sand?

Tracing letters in sand primarily reinforces the development of letter-formation skills in kindergarten children. This tactile activity allows young learners to engage with the shapes and lines of letters in a multi-sensory experience. As they trace, they not only practice the physical motions needed to form each letter but also gain a better understanding of the spatial aspects involved in writing.

By using sand, children can receive immediate feedback on their letter formation; they can see the letters take shape and adjust their movements as necessary. This practice helps build muscle memory, which is essential for writing, as it ensures that children can create letters accurately and confidently as they progress in their writing skills. Additionally, the act of tracing can focus their attention on the specific characteristics of each letter, such as curves and straight lines, which are important for proper formation.

While the other options are important literacy skills, tracing letters specifically emphasizes the practical application of writing skills over vocabulary development, reading fluency, or comprehension.