A deliberate progression
Trace once, copy with a model, then write without it.
Tracing can introduce the movement path, but repeated tracing alone does not require the learner to retrieve a letter form. The generated page fades the model, then leaves blank guide lines so the final attempts reveal what the learner can produce independently.
Say the letters or sounds while writing when that supports the lesson. For a sentence, read the full sentence first and notice spacing, capitalization and punctuation before focusing on the motor task.