Make a set of felt alphabet letters that will engage and entertain your early learner. These colorful letters are easy to make, and provide opportunities for language and sensory experiences.

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How can we, as teachers and parents, introduce ABC's in thoughtful and age appropriate ways?

That's a good question.

It's a question that I discussed in a previous post, How to Teach Letters of the Alphabet Without Really Teaching.

Simply put, find ways to introduce the letters of the alphabet that are hands-on and creative, and spark interest and curiosity in you early learner.

Homemade letters of the alphabet are a good option to have on hand. They're easy to make, and fun to use in everyday play.

Related: Preschool literacy activities.  

DIY felt letters of the alphabet

Felt is a perfect material for making letters of the alphabet - it is colorful, easy to cut, and provides a quiet, mess free activity. The letters of the alphabet are easy to store, and durable enough for kids to use over and over.

You can make the letters large or small, and make upper or lower case or both.

The letters in this tutorial are approximately 5 in. ( 12.5 cm) in height. You can make them any size you want, depending on available felt and the size of your felt board.

• Smaller felt letters can be used on a mini travel size felt board.

Supplies

• felt

• chalk
  
  
• scissors

Instructions

Print the letters onto the felt with chalk.

• I pressed firmly so the letters would show up in the photos. If you press lightly the chalk is easier to dust off when the letters are completed.

Turn reversible letters like M and T over after you cut them out so the chalk isn't visible. 

The play value of the felt alphabet won't be diminished if a little chalk is left on the letters!

 Make your own felt board and start using the colorful felt letters.

Learning through play with felt letters of the alphabet

1. Make beginning words with two or three familiar letters.

2. Sort letters by color.

3. Sort letters into groups such as vowels, or letters with shapes like a circle or triangle.

4. Spell your name and the names of family members.

5. Make a series of 3 or 4 letters on the felt board with one letter missing.

• Which letter is missing in the series? (A-B-?-D)

When it comes to teaching letters of the alphabet, engage all the senses to explore colors, shapes and patterns. Encourage interaction with, and observation of, materials. 

Using felt letters is just one way to provide interesting literacy activities for preschoolers.

Visit our Literacy board on Pinterest for more crafts and activities.