These literacy activities are easy options you can include in everyday playtimes. Support early reading skills in preschool and kindergarten with fun, hands-on activities that promote learning through play.
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Let’s give a nod to the alphabet! It plays an important part in the adventure that is early childhood.
The adventure starts with a glimpse at the letters of the alphabet in everyday play, and results in a world of discovery and learning!
Kids see grownups engaging naturally with literacy in everyday experiences. We can help kids enjoy literature, and the letters of the alphabet, by including them in our daily reading and writing.
- Read story books.
- Write letters and holiday cards.
- Make lists.
- Do crosswords.
We can support early learning by including kids in grownup activities, and by providing hands-on interaction with toys and materials. The activities in this post are designed to spark imagination and creativity using everyday materials.
Crafts are made with recyclables, props are household items, and books listed here can be substituted for ones you love. Activities can accommodate one child or several children at a time, and adapt to individual skill levels.
Preschool literacy experiences
Kids will learn to recognize and form letters at ages and stages unique to their own development.
Responses or outcomes will vary according to different skill levels, interest, and engagement, and should not determine the success of an activity. The goal is to provide a variety of activities that stimulate interaction, observation and discovery.
Free Play
Toys and play materials display letters of the alphabet.
- A favorite book has the name of the title character on the cover.
- A set of wooden blocks is stamped with letters of the alphabet.
- Toy cars and other toys have colorful labels.
Intentional play
Grownups introduce activities such as card games, songs, or crafts.
Whether materials are made available for independent play, or introduced in parent-led or teacher-led activities, the goal is to teach letters of the alphabet through engaging hands-on play.
Participation is an important part of learning through play. Kids will respond more readily when activities are interesting, developmentally appropriate, and largely child-led.
Create engaging playtimes with the ideas listed here.
Create play dough letters and shapes for a tactile experience.
Heart shaped letters of the alphabet cards are fun to make for a holiday theme.
A set of homemade felt letters provides activities on the flannel board.
Use scrabble tiles in creative ways to reinforce letter recognition.
Add nature to your everyday learning with twig letters.
Recycle foam trays for drawing and printing with chalk.
Use fun materials like stencils and foam letters to grab kids interest.
Fill a discovery bottle with letters of the alphabet.
Keep a homemade set of alphabet cards accessible for daily interaction.
Explore letters with a picture book and extend the play with a felt butterfly craft.
Create simple homemade books that help kids recognize letters and numbers.
Make a lift-the-flaps game with words for gross motor movements.
This roundup is a nod to the alphabet you can’t resist! Grab some fun activities and get started on your adventure today.
