Kids can make the letters of the alphabet with twigs and branches in this outdoor literacy activity. Enjoy nature and fine motor play with preschoolers as you shape letters with small twigs.
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Outdoor activities provide opportunities for kids to explore and learn in natural surroundings.
Making an alphabet with twigs is a great way for kids to engage fine motor, sensory and cognitive skills while having fun with outdoor play.
We collected branches lying on the ground in our backyard from a variety of trees, including maple, poplar and elm. If you can take a nature walk with your preschooler, on a trail or in your own backyard, it’s a great time to start a conversation about the different types of trees you see.
You can extend the conversation by reading books together.
Books about Trees (affiliate links)
Tree Full of Wonder – A rhyming picture book about the magic of trees.
The Magic and Mystery of Trees – A nature book exploring the network of trees in their woodland habitat.
I Can Name 50 Trees Today (Cat in the Hat’s Learning Library) – Explore and identify amazing trees!
NOTE: Some public areas may not allow removal of materials. Kids can still benefit from exploring their natural surroundings, then use craft sticks or pipe cleaners to shape the letters at home or in the classroom.
The benefits of making the backyard, nature trail or local park your classroom include exercise, fresh air and hands-on discovery! This twig letters activity is a fun way to experience learning through play in the great outdoors.
Twig Letters of the Alphabet
Provide a cardboard canvas on which to build your letters.
Make the letters any size, depending on the size of the cardboard.
Break some twigs with your hands to get them the length you want.
- Cut other branches and twigs to length with pruning shears, (#ad.) This is a job for a grownup!
This photo provides examples of how we shaped the letters.
Letter A: 3 small twigs
Letter D: 1 small twig on the side, 1 twig bent in the middle
Letter C: 1 small twig broken in two places to allow it to curve
Letter L: 1 small twig with a natural curve
We were able to gently snap a lot of the twigs to allow them to bend without breaking them apart completely
Letter O: 4 small twigs arranged in a circle
Letter S: 1 twig gently bent without breaking!
Letters V and Y: natural joint (fork) of a branch
Letter X: 1 twig placed over another
More ways to play and learn with twigs:
- Use branches to make one or two large letters instead of the whole alphabet.
- Line up alphabet letters across a backyard deck or trail. Measure the length of the alphabet. Measure individual letters.
Activities with Twigs and Branches
