Try copying sentences - using stroke order sheets - download this PDF here

[kurtinchina]

First learn the basic rules (like horizontal before vertical) but don't get too wrapped up in the rules because there are a lot of exceptions to the rules. However, know the rules going in. After that, I think the best way to learn how to write characters is to copy sentences while looking at a stroke order book. Just like reading, the same characters appear quite often. After you have written a character many times you tend not to need to peek at the original sentence too much. If a new character appears, you look it up, copy it and keep going.

 

We have a PDF for free download (www.sayitinmandarin.com) that explains the basics and has the stroke order charts for 653 characters. This book is to support our Textbook so that learners can begin learning to write from the beginning. The stroke order sheets have the characters as they appear in our textbook. As it is a beginner textbook, the characters are some of the most frequently used.   I have attached it to this post.

How_to_Write_Chinese_Characters.pdf