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Pre-K activities, learning games, crafts, and printables


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Alphabet

The ABC's are everywhere! This theme provides ideas to explore the alphabet with your group through fun activities that will take you from A to Z.

In the Educatall Club
Coloring pages, word flashcards, picture game, and activity sheets to complement your theme


Educatall Club
Educatall Club

ALL THEMES See 2024 schedule

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CIRCLE TIMEEduca-decorate-Alphabet

 

Puppets

Use puppets for their “creative” aspect. Invent puppet conversations and invite children to participate, each manipulating a different puppet. You can find alphabet-themed puppets in the Educatall Club.

 

A treasure hunt to discover the theme

(Open educa-decorate-Alphabet) Print and laminate. Set the illustrations on items throughout the daycare. Invite children to search for them. Name the items and invite children to guess the theme.

 

Illustrated circle time board

(Open picture game-Alphabet) Print several pictures related to the theme and glue them on a large piece of colorful cardboard. Laminate your board. During circle time, use your board to present various items associated with your theme to your group. You can hand each child a dry-erase marker and have them circle the items as they identify them. This will help younger children understand what you are talking about.

 

Educa-chat-Alphabet

(Open educa-chat-Alphabet) (Open giant word flashcards-Alphabet) Print the questions and several word flashcards. Laminate them. Set the questions in a box so that children can take turns picking a card. Spread the word flashcards out on a table. Also print and laminate the “It’s my turn” card. Glue it on a Popsicle stick. It will help children respect the child who’s turn it is to speak. If you prefer, use a puppet or a stuffed animal linked to your theme. The questions will help children develop their observation skills, their vocabulary, their thinking skills, etc. Use this tool to animate discussion periods.

 Educa-chat-Alphabet-1

I AM DISCOVERING AND LEARNING WITH THE ALPHABET

 

This week, the letters of the alphabet will steal the show. At the beginning of the week, invite children to bring an object linked to the alphabet to daycare. They can take turns presenting their item during the week.

 

We have prepared colourful letters of the alphabet for you to use throughout the theme. (Open letters of the alphabet) Print and laminate. Sit in a circle with your group and have each child pick a letter. Encourage them to identify a word which begins with the letter they picked (A for apple, etc.).

 

You may also choose to have children pick a letter and then bring an object from home which begins with the letter they picked. During the theme, give children a chance to present their object to the rest of the group.

 

Letter boxes

Collect 26 empty boxes (tissue or other box). Identify each box with a letter of the alphabet. Add pictures of items (or small items) which begin with the corresponding letter to each box. Each morning, present a few letters to your group. Leave the boxes on a table for children to explore their contents as they wish.

 

AREA SETUPGiant word flashcards-Alphabet-1

 

Thematic poster-Alphabet

(Open thematic poster-Alphabet) Print, laminate, and display where children and parents are sure to see it.

 

Educa-decorate-Alphabet

(Open educa-decorate-Alphabet) Print, laminate, and cut out the illustrations. Use them to decorate your walls and set the mood for the theme. Glue a paperclip to the end of a long piece of fishing wire and hang it from the ceiling. You can insert letters in the paperclip throughout the theme. Write each child’s name and the names of various items throughout your daycare on pieces of construction paper and labels using bold colors. Be sure to use uppercase letters for the first letter of each name and lowercase letters for the rest.

 

Stickers-Alphabet

(Open stickers-Alphabet) Print the illustrations on adhesive paper and use them to create a collection of unique stickers. Use them to reward children throughout the theme.

 

Educa-theme-Alphabet

(Open educa-theme-Alphabet) Print and laminate the different elements representing the theme. Use them to present the theme to your group (and children’s parents) while decorating your daycare.

 

My letter floor

(Open floor illustrations-Alphabet) Print and have children color the items. Cut them out and press them on the floor using adhesive paper. If you wish, you can use the illustrations to delimit various areas, to draw paths connecting different areas, or just decorate your daycare for the theme.Educa-theme-Alphabet

 

Integrating a writing corner is a must to foster pre-writing skills. Create an area within your daycare where children can explore different types of written documents.

  • Label toy bins and storage spaces using pictograms and the accompanying words.
  • Use posters containing illustrations and words to identify activity corners.
  • Use a logo and their printed name to identify children’s personal belongings.
  • Add a wide range of printed material in your different play areas (books, magazines, posters, word flashcards, etc.).
  • Display your daily schedule at children’s eye level. Add a task chart, a conflict resolution chart, etc.
  • Write children’s name on their drawings and activity sheets.
  • Display an illustrated alphabet.
  • Write the general breakdown of the day’s activities and messages for parents on a bulletin board.
  • Delimit your reading area with an alphabet mat.
  • Provide letter-shaped cookie cutters that children can use to trace and cut out letters that can be pressed on walls and other items.
  • Provide alphabet stickers.
  • Cut letters out of colorful paper and press them on paper plates. Use them to create a banner.

Alphabet garland

(Open garland-Alphabet) Print and cut out the letters. Use the alphabet garland to decorate your daycare.

 Floor illustrations-Alphabet

Alphabet tree

On a large piece of cardboard, draw a tree and press 26 pieces of Velcro among its leaves. You will need 26 paper plates (different colors). Write a different letter of the alphabet on each plate. Glue a piece of Velcro behind each plate. Invite children to press the plates on the tree at the start of each day. You can have them do so in alphabetical order or simply encourage them to name the letters as they add them to your tree. The plates can represent flowers or fruit. Your alphabet tree will add a pop of color to your daycare décor.

 

Mailbox

Create a mail corner. Every morning, children can check the mailbox. Be sure to set coloring pages, letters, or challenges in the mailbox before children arrive each day. Use the special deliveries to spark a conversation with your group during circle time.

 

PICTURE GAME

 

The pictures may be used as a memory game or to spark a conversation with the group. Use them to decorate the daycare or a specific thematic corner. (Open picture game-Alphabet) Print, laminate, and store in a “Ziploc” bag or in your thematic bins.

 

Memory game-Alphabet

(Open picture game-Alphabet) Print the pictures twice and use them for a memory game.

 

ACTIVITY SHEETS AND WRITING ACTIVITIES

 Stickers Alphabet

Activity sheets-Alphabet

(Open activity sheets-Alphabet) Print and follow instructions. If you wish, laminate for use with a dry-erase marker.

 

Stationery-Alphabet

(Open stationery-Alphabet) Print. The stationery can be used to communicate with parents, in your writing area, or to identify your thematic bins.

 

(Open writing booklet-The letters of the alphabet) Print for each child or laminate for use with a dry-erase marker. Children must trace the letters in order to familiarize themselves with the 26 letters of the alphabet.

  • Laminate activity sheets and writing activities. Insert them in a binder and provide dry-erase markers. Children can complete the activities during periods of free play, wipe away their work, and reuse them as often as they wish.
  • On a line drawn to connect point A and point B, use a hole-punch to make holes, leaving approximately 0.5 cm between them. Provide string that children can thread through the holes to connect points A and B.
  • Set a small, laminated illustration under each child’s wrist. As children complete an activity sheet, challenge them to try to keep the illustration under their wrist as they draw or write.
  • Use adhesive tape to press 2 crayons together, end to end. Children complete the first part of an activity sheet with one color and then rotate the crayons, creeping their fingers towards the opposite end to use the second color to complete their work.
  • Press activity sheets on walls, floors, under tables, etc.Educa-chat-Alphabet-2
  • Provide stickers and invite children to press them on a line that you have drawn on paper.
  • Provide colorful pompoms or bingo markers. Have children pick them up using their thumb and index finger and hide them in their hand. Next, have them release them one at a time, setting them on a line that you have drawn on paper.
  • Draw 2 parallel lines connecting 2 points, much like a road. Have children draw a variety of symbols between the lines: 0, X,-,+,=, etc.
  • Provide scissors and 2-3 cm strips of paper. Have children cut the strips into tiny pieces. They can then use glue to press the pieces between 2 parallel lines drawn on a piece of paper.
  • Encourage children to use different types of writing tools to draw lines: chalk, finger paint, glitter glue, paintbrushes, bingo markers, etc.

Educa-nuudles-Alphabet

(Open educa-nuudles-Alphabet) Print for each child. Have children color the sheet and use Magic nuudles to give it a three-dimensional look.

Variation: You don’t have Magic Nuudles? Have children fill the spaces designed for Magic Nuudles with bingo markers or stickers.

To order Magic Nuudles:

http://www.educatout.com/catalog/index.php?cPath=76&osCsid=dfe8ad15c191a07bc61cf20f10cf6ca0

 

VARIOUS WORKSHOPS

 

Construction/building blocks:

  • Wooden blocks with letters and numbers on them.
  • Large wooden letters.
  • Cover the floor with white tiles (don’t glue them!) and write the letters of the alphabet on them using permanent markers or colourful adhesive tape.

Arts & crafts:

  • Finger paint and letter models children can reproduce with their fingers.Giant word flashcards-Alphabet-2
  • Letter stamps and paint. If you do not have stamps, make your own by carving potato halves.
  • Sponge painting with sponge letters.
  • Letters of all kinds which can be glued, assembled, etc. Dollar stores and department stores are a great source. Visit their scrapbooking section.
  • Letters which can be cut out and colored/painted to make an alphabet soup craft.
  • Alpha Bits cereal or alphabet pasta can be glued on giant letters.
  • Hang giant letters on the wall and let children glue all kinds of colourful paper on them.
  • Make your own alphabet bottles. Each bottle represents one letter. For example, in your “A” bottle, you can add beads with the letter “A” written on them, tiny wooden or plastic apples or angels, etc.

Drawing:

  • Coloring pages representing the 26 letters of the alphabet.
  • Various letter stencils for tracing fun.
  • Creative coloring alphabet activity.

Role play:

  • Set up a school area complete with desks, chairs, a chalkboard, giant letters which can be hung on the wall, pencils, pens, erasers, rulers, etc. Display letter posters and include several books in your area.
  • Organize a computer area complete with several keyboards. A cardboard box can represent a computer screen. Add a computer mouse, white paper, CDs, old computer disks, etc.
  • Identify as many items as possible with word flashcards or picture words.

Manipulation:Roll and color-Alphabet-2

  • Memory game.
  • Modeling dough with letter-shaped cookie cutters.
  • Magnetic letters and cookie sheets.
  • Letter beads and string. Have older children write their name on their bracelet.
  • Letter bingo (use Alpha Bits cereal as playing pieces).
  • Letter lotto game.
  • Aquadoodle game.
  • Write the letters of the alphabet on 26 clothespins and find pictures of 26 items (beginning with each letter). Children can associate the clothespins to the correct pictures.
  • Cut letters out of sandpaper, tissue paper, fur, cardboard, cellophane paper, etc.).
  • Various word games for children (Boggle, Scrabble, etc.).

Pre-reading:

  • Books, books, and more books!
  • Fill a binder with the letters of the alphabet and pictures of items beginning with each letter.
  • Posters of letters associated to the beginning sounds of words...
  • Word flashcards.Animated-alphabet-3

Pre-writing:

  • Hunt and seek activities.
  • Activity sheets related to the theme.
  • Games using educatall.com word flashcards.
  • Tracing and maze activities.
  • Letter stamps and stamp pads.
  • Chalkboard and chalk.
  • Write each child’s name on a piece of cardboard. They will enjoy “writing” their name.
  • An old typewriter.
  • Everything and anything which contains letters.

Motor skills:

  • Letter game: Set a plastic tablecloth on the floor. Trace/glue giant letters on it. Children must throw bean bags on the tablecloth and name the letters they land on.
  • Letter fishing: Add several magnetic letters to a small pool and use a fishing rod to fish for the letters. Encourage children to name the letters they catch or have them associate them to the corresponding letter on a board.

Sensory bins:Pompom letters

  • Container filled with Alpha Bits cereal or alphabet noodles.
  • Container filled with rice in which you hide cardboard, wooden, or foam letters.

Kitchen:

  • Bake letter-shaped cookies.
  • Read a recipe with your group.
  • Make alphabet soup.

Science:

  • Discover magnets... with magnetic letters.

LANGUAGE ACTIVITIES

 

Word flashcards

Use the cards to spark a conversation with your group or in your reading and writing area. They may also be used to identify your thematic bins.  (Open word flashcards-Alphabet) (Open giant word flashcards-Alphabet) letter, beginning sound, alphabet, uppercase letter, lowercase letter, word, writing, alphabet song, sound, dotted line, to trace, crossword puzzle

 

Singing the alphabet

Sing the alphabet in a variety of ways: faster, slower, backwards, etc. You can also pause and let children continue singing alone.

 Educa-chatterbox-Alphabet

Letter sounds

Point to a letter and explore it through singing and vocal exercises.

 

Let’s chat

Print and laminate the word flashcards. Have each child pick a flashcard. They can take turns presenting their word to the group. Discuss each item. Ask children questions.

 

Educa-chatterbox-Alphabet

(Open educa-chatterbox-Alphabet) Print and laminate the cards. To create your chatterbox, you will need an empty shoebox or a small bin that you can decorate as you see fit. Fill it with tiny objects, illustrations, pictures, and accessories related to your theme. To help you, we have created a series of cards that you may use. During circle time or, for example, when children are waiting for their lunch, have them take turns picking a card or object out of your chatterbox and naming the corresponding item.

 

Associating words and illustrations

(Open giant word flashcards-Alphabet) Print, laminate, and display the word flashcards on a wall in your circle time area or on a large piece of cardboard that can easily be moved around. Read a word and invite a child to identify the corresponding flashcard.

 

Pompom lettersPompom letters

(Open pompom letters) Print and laminate the cards. Have each child pick a card, name the letter, and set pompoms of the corresponding color on each dot. Encourage children to, for example, say, “On the letter A, I see a red pompom, a blue pompom, a yellow pompom, an orange pompom, and a white pompom.”

 

Word series

Say a series of words (start with 2 words and gradually add words per the capacity of the children in your group). Children must repeat the words they hear in the same order. Ideally, each series should be made up of words from the same category (animals, foods, clothing, etc.).

 

Reinvented scrabble

(Open word flashcards-Alphabet) (Open giant word flashcards-Alphabet) Print many copies of the word flashcards and encourage children to use scrabble tiles to write the words. Manipulating the small tiles represents a great fine motor skill exercise. At the same time, children will notice which letters make up the different words.

 

The alphabet song

Sing the alphabet in a variety of ways: fast, slow, backwards, with frequent pauses to provide children with the opportunity to name the next letter, etc.

 Giant word flashcards-Alphabet-3

TRANSITION ACTIVITIES

 

Game-This is my spot-Alphabet

(Open game-This is my spot-Alphabet) Print two copies. Laminate and cut out the cards. Glue one copy of each card on the table using adhesive paper. Drop the other copies in a bag. Children take turns picking a card to determine their spot at the table for the day. You may also use the cards to determine naptime spots or for your task train.

 

My alphabet path

(Open game-This is my spot-Alphabet) Print, laminate, and press the letters on the floor to create paths leading to various frequently visited areas within your daycare such as the bathroom, the cloakroom, etc. If you prefer, simply use the letters to delimit workshops.

 

Let’s free the letters

Use colorful adhesive tape to stick Fun Foam or magnetic letters on a wall in the hallway where children often wait in line for their turn. As they wait, they will have fun “saving” the letters. As they remove the tape, encourage them to name the letters.

 

Alphabet sensory bags

You will need several large Ziploc bags. On each bag, write 8-10 letters using a permanent marker. Draw a circle around each letter. Set the corresponding magnetic letters in each bag and add colorful hair gel. Seal the bags. During waiting periods, children will enjoy manipulating the bags and trying to associate each letter to the corresponding circle. Once all the letters are in the correct circles, invite children to name the letters.

 

I know where to sit…Models-Alphabet

Label your chairs using the first letter of each child’s name. At snack time or lunch time, children must find a chair with the first letter of their name on it.

 

Ball alphabet

You will need 26 empty toilet paper rolls as well as 26 balls (like those used to fill a ball pit). Write a letter of the alphabet on each cardboard roll and on each ball. Set all the balls in your ball pit. You can also add a few balls that don’t have letters written on them. Children will expend extra energy searching for the balls that have letters on them. When they find one, they must name the letter and find the cardboard roll with the corresponding letter and set the ball on it vertically. Time children to see how quickly they can associate all the letters. They will want to try to beat their record.

 

Textured letters

Use alphabet stencils to trace the 26 letters of the alphabet on different types of materials: felt, sandpaper, fabric, Styrofoam, bubble wrap, burlap, etc. Glue the letters on a poster and encourage children to touch the letters as they name them.

 

Soft letters

On a large piece of heavy cardboard, glue pipe cleaners that you have bent to represent letters. Blindfold children and invite them to touch the letters. As they glide their fingers over the letters, encourage them to try to name them.

 

Fine motor skills-Letters

(Open models-Letters) Print for each child. Have them tear tissue paper into tiny pieces. Next, have children fill the shapes with the crumpled pieces of paper. Display children’s artwork.

 

Roll & color-AlphabetRoll and color-Alphabet-1

(Open roll and color-Alphabet) Print for each child. This game can be enjoyed individually or as a group. Children take turns rolling a die, counting the dots, and coloring the corresponding part.

 

Letter hunt

(Open miniature alphabet) Print and laminate. Hide the tiny blocks throughout your daycare and invite children to search for them. The child who finds the most letters can hide them for the following round.

 

Ball and letter box

Use a box that has a lid. Cut round holes all over the box. Let children insert balls in the holes. Count the balls with them. Variation: Draw a letter next to each hole. Children must name the corresponding letters each time they insert a ball.

 

Finger gymnastics

Encourage children to move their fingers different ways.

 

Magical letters

Write letters on a chalkboard and ask children to erase them by tracing them with a paintbrush that has been dipped in water.

 

Human letters

Ask children to use their body to represent letters of the alphabet.Bowling Alphabet-2022-1

 

Let’s make necklaces

Using alphabet necklace beads, encourage children to create original necklaces.

 

Letters for movement

Use letter to transform a traditional Twister game for the duration of the theme.

 

Bowling-Alphabet

(Open bowling-Alphabet) Print and use the stickers to create games. Press them on empty plastic bottles to create alphabet bowling pins. Arrange the bottles on a table and invite children to make them fall using a tennis ball. Give each child three chances.

 

Alphabet pyramid

(Open stickers-Alphabet) Print and use the stickers to create games. Press them on empty metal cans and use them to build a pyramid. Children will enjoy trying to make your pyramid fall using a frisbee.

 

Playing cards-Alphabet

(Open playing cards-Alphabet) Print and laminate. Give each child the same number of cards. They can take turns hiding them throughout the daycare. Each child then tries to find as many cards as possible.

 Playing cards-Alphabet-1

Letter game

You will need a large plastic tablecloth. Using a marker, write the 26 letters of the alphabet on it (large letters). Children must throw a bean bag on a letter. Encourage them to name the letter and find a word which begins with the letter.

 

The letters in my name

(Open mini alphabet letters) Determine a course children must complete. Complete the course once with them. Then, pick a letter out of a bag and show it to your group. The children who have this letter in their name must complete the course.

 

My body in motion

Each child uses his/her body to represent a letter. The other children must try to guess which letter it is.

 

Hop, hop, hop

Glue letters on the floor. Children take turns singing the alphabet and jumping on the corresponding letters.

 

Letter hunt

Children search for toys or items which have letters on them. When they find one, encourage them to show it to you. Together, identify the letters or the words.

 Miniature alphabet

Pick a letter

Set several letters in an opaque bag. To the sound of music, children pass the bag around the circle. When the music stops, the child holding the bag picks a letter out of the bag and tries to name it. His peers can help him if necessary. Ask children to try to name words that begin with each letter.

 

Musical letter

Stick letters on the daycare floor. Play music and invite children to move around the daycare. When you stop the music, name a letter. Children must find the corresponding letter. The first child to find the letter may choose the letter at the end of the next round.

 

Future musicians

Use your musical instruments to reinvent the alphabet song.

 

Under the tent

Build a tent in your daycare or yard using chairs and blankets. Every morning before children arrive, set different letters of the alphabet in your tent. You can offer books, building blocks, balls, and basically any item that has letters on it. Children will look forward to manipulating new items daily.

 

Letter treasure hunt

Hide several letters in your yard (or daycare). Invite children to search for them.

 Playing cards-Alphabet-2

Letter fishing

Fill a small swimming pool or large container with magnetic letters. Make your own fishing rods by adding a piece of metal to the end of string tied to broomsticks. Children will love fishing for letters. Invite older children to fish for the letters in their name.

 

Clothespin alphabet

(Open picture game-Alphabet) Print and laminate. Write the letters of the alphabet on 26 clothespins (one letter per clothespin). Children pick a clothespin and attach it to the corresponding illustration.

 

Letter tracing

(Open models-Letters) Print the letters. Encourage children to trace them using different materials such as flour or sugar, chalk, paint and a paintbrush, finger paint, modeling dough, etc.

 

Open association game-Alphabet

(Open association game-Alphabet) Print, laminate, and cut out. Set the grid in front of a child. Have him pick a letter and deposit it in the correct spot on the grid.

 

COGNITIVE ACTIVITIES

 

Flatten the alphabetMagnifying glasses-Alphabet

For this activity, you must prepare homemade modeling dough. Use a Popsicle stick to deposit small pieces of modeling dough on heavy cardboard, creating tiny stacks that look a lot like clouds. Press an alphabet sticker on top of each cloud. Leave the clouds out to dry overnight. When you are ready to play, name a letter and invite a child to flatten the corresponding cloud. Children will love this game! Be sure to prepare several clouds so that you can play for as long as they want!

 

Drinking glass guessing game

You will need 26 disposable drinking glasses. Write a different letter of the alphabet on each one. For each round, invite a child to pick a certain number of drinking glasses. For example, when it is Jade’s turn, you could have her pick the 4 drinking glasses required to write her name. Name each letter. Next, invite her to close her eyes and hide a trinket (for example a miniature eraser) under one of the glasses. Once this is done, encourage Jade to name a letter and raise the glass to see if the treasure is hiding under it. If not, she continues naming letters until she finds the trinket. If you prefer, you can simply let children select a certain number of drinking glasses. You could also set the theme’s word flashcards nearby so that children can use them as models to represent words related to the theme.

 

Letter detectives

(Open magnifying glasses-Alphabet) Print and laminate the magnifying glasses and cut the center of each one out. Doing so will make it possible for children to set the magnifying glasses on posters or pages in books and see letters or words “through the lens”. Children take turns using a magnifying glass to find the letter that is printed on it. When they succeed, they name the letter and show the letter they found to their peers.

 

Educ-trace-Kindergarten

(Open educ-trace-Alphabet) Print for each child. Children must trace each line using a crayon of the corresponding color and then color the object at the end of the line using the same color.

 

Educ-pairs-AlphabetEduc-trace-Alphabet

(Open educ-pairs-Alphabet) Print. Children must color identical pictures using the same color or draw a line between them. For durable, eco-friendly use, laminate for use with a dry-erase marker.

 

Educ-clothespins-Alphabet

(Open educ-clothespins-Alphabet) Print and laminate. Children must find and identify the matching illustration using a clothespin.

 

Hunt and seek-Alphabet

(Open hunt and seek-Alphabet) Print and laminate. Children pick a card and search for the item in the scene.

 

Crafty game-Alphabet spinner

(Open crafty game-Alphabet spinner) Print and laminate. Cut out the circle and the small cards. Glue each small card on a clothespin. Have children associate the colors, letters, and numbers.

 

I associate letters-Apples

(Open I associate letters-Apples) Print, laminate, and cut out the puzzles. Children will have fun associating uppercase and lowercase letters.

 

Roll and color-Alphabet

(Open roll and color-Alphabet) Print for each child. This game can be enjoyed individually or as a group. Children take turns rolling a die, counting the dots, and coloring the corresponding part.

 Educ-pairs-Alphabet

My letter coloring chart

(Open my letter coloring chart) Print for each child. Every time a child recognizes or integrates a new letter, invite him to color it on his chart. At the end of the week, discuss the results.

 

Educa-duo-Alphabet

(Open educa-duo-Alphabet) Print and laminate for durable, eco-friendly use. Children must draw a line between items which go together.

 

Educ-math-Alphabet

(Open educ-math-Alphabet) Print and laminate for durable, eco-friendly use. Children must count the objects in each rectangle and circle the correct number.

 

Educ-same and different-Alphabet

(Open educ-same and different-Alphabet) Print and laminate for durable, eco-friendly use. Children must circle the illustration which is different in each row.

 

Educ-pattern-Alphabet

(Open educ-pattern-Alphabet) Print and laminate. Children must use the cards to complete the patterns by gluing them in the correct squares using Velcro or adhesive putty.

 Hunt and seek-Alphabet

Open association game-Alphabet

(Open association game-Alphabet) Print, laminate, and cut out. Set the grid in front of a child. Have him pick a letter and deposit it in the correct spot on the grid.

 

Secret letters

(Open letters of the alphabet) Print, cut out, and laminate the letters. Let children play with the letters and use them to invent silly words.

 

Alphabet puzzles

(Open puzzles-Alphabet) Print, laminate, and cut out the pieces. Let children complete the puzzles.

 

MORAL AND SOCIAL ACTIVITIES

 

I know the alphabet

Record several different words using a tape recorder (examples: apple, telephone, etc.). Be sure to insist on the beginning sound of each word. Encourage children to identify the first letter of each word using the pictures from the picture game.

 

I am a studentCrafty game-Alphabet spinner-1

Offer chalkboards, chalk, etc. Let children try to write the letters of the alphabet. Provide models.

 

Library

Set up a library corner. Pile books on a table. Add a chair for the librarian, pens, a ruler, index cards, date stamps and stamp pads for return dates, bags, etc. Children can pretend to borrow library books and then sit in a corner to read.

 

Writing workshop

Provide a variety of pens, pencils, notebooks, stationery, stencils, and envelopes. Encourage children to prepare a special letter and mail it to them or to their parents.

 

The alphabet board game

(Open board game-Alphabet) Print and laminate both pages and glue them together, lining up the extremities of the path to create a board game. Give each child a colorful button that will become their playing pieces. Set small wooden or magnetic letters in an opaque bag. Children take turns picking a letter out of the bag, naming it, and moving their playing piece to the first (or next) corresponding letter.

 

Letter hunt

Give each child a magnifying glass and encourage them to use it to search for letters throughout your daycare. They can explore posters, toys, menus, etc. If you prefer, hide Fun Foam letters throughout your daycare and invite children to use their magnifying glass to search for them.

 

SPECIAL ACTIVITY-SCHOOL DAY

 Animated-alphabet

Organize a special school day for your group. (Open perpetual calendar-School Day) Print and display.

Children pretend to be at school. They take turns being the teacher. Prepare activity booklets they can complete. Organize the daycare so it resembles a classroom. Include desks, chairs, a table and a chair facing the others for the teacher, chalk, a bell, notebooks, pencils, backpacks…You are a teacher for the day. Plan your day like a normal school day with schoolwork, drawing, a craft, a song, recess, lunch, the bus ride home, etc. Use accessories which can often be found in a classroom such as activity sheets or the letters of the alphabet. At the end of the day, present children with diplomas for various challenges they have succeeded. (Open diploma-I know the alphabet) (Open diploma-I know the alphabet)

 

OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

 

From A to Z

(Open mini alphabet letters) Print and laminate. Hide the letters throughout your yard and in the sandbox. Invite children to search for the letters.

 

Double letters

(Open animated alphabet) Give each child a letter. Be sure to hand out two copies of each letter. When you give the signal, children must find the child who is holding the same letter.

 

Pick a letter

Deposit several letters in a bag. To the sound of music, children must pass the bag around the circle. When the music stops, the child holding the bag must pick a letter and try to name it. Help the child if necessary. Ask children if they know words which begin with this letter.

 

Musical letterAnimated-alphabet-2

Stick letters on the daycare floor. Play music and invite children to move around the daycare. When you stop the music, name a letter. Children must find the corresponding letter. The first child to find the letter may choose the letter at the end of the next round.

 

Letter fishing

Fill a small swimming pool or large container with magnetic letters. Make your own fishing rods by adding a piece of metal to the end of string tied to broomsticks. Children will love fishing for letters. Invite older children to fish for the letters in their name.

 

Little authors

Use a small stick to trace letters or words in sand. You can also do the same thing using chalk on asphalt.

 

EARLY SCIENCE/MANIPULATION/EXPLORATION

 

Magic board

Give each child a medium-sized plastic bag. Let them choose a paint color and deposit 3 tablespoons of paint in their bag. Seal the bag, removing any excess air. Children can use their finger to trace various letters in the paint or to draw pictures. To erase, show them how to simply shake their bag to spread the paint out.

 Snack-Circle the letters

My hanging name

Purchase a bag of clothespins and identify them with the letters of the alphabet. Make two series (or more for popular letters). Write the name of each child on a nametag or piece of cardboard or use word flashcards. Ask children to reproduce various words on a clothesline or on the edge of a box by attaching the clothespins in the correct order. This is also a great exercise to build fine motor skills.

 

Letter discovery

Instead of using a traditional rice bin, innovate and offer a container filled with alphabet pasta or Alpha Bits cereal.

 

Rice bin

Hide foam letters in your rice bin.

 

CULINARY ACTIVITIES

 

Snack-Circle the letters

(Open snack-Circle the letters) Print and laminate a sheet for each child. Give each child a small bowl filled with Froot Loops cereal. Name one letter at a time. Children must find it on their sheet and draw a circle around it with a dry cereal. Once a child has “circled” all the letters, he can eat his cereal. If you prefer, you may invite children to hide the letters with berries or fruit pieces.

 

Letter cookies

Prepare cookie dough. Using cookie cutters, make letter-shaped cookies. Enjoy.Crafty game-Alphabet spinner-1

 

Alphabet lunch

Cook small alphabet pasta. Let children manipulate the letters. Offer Alpha Bits cereal as a snack or dessert too.

 

Letter snack

Give children carrot or celery sticks and encourage them to use them to create letters.

 

Wiggly letters

Prepare Jell-O but instead of pouring the preparation in small bowls, pour it on a cookie sheet. Once the Jell-O is set, use letter-shaped cookie cutters to create wiggly letters that children will love to eat!

 

ARTS & CRAFTS

 

Crumpled tissue paper letters

(Open models-letters) Print one letter for each child. Encourage children to crumple pieces of tissue paper and glue the crumpled pieces on their letter.

 

Letter sculpture

Sculpt letters in modeling dough or salt dough and leave them out to dry. Let children paint them.

Variation: You may also use Magic Nuudles.

 Educ-clothespins-Alphabet

Alphabet garland

Hang a long paper banner on the wall of your daycare. Write the 26 letters of the alphabet on your banner. Provide many magazines and catalogues. Have children cut out words and letters and glue them on the banner, under the correct letter.

 

Prints

Use letter-shaped sponges to paint. You may purchase them or make your own simply by cutting sponges into letter shapes.

 

Alphabet mobile

(Open mobile-letters) Print, trace the number 8 figure on cardboard, and cut out. Cut out the letters and insert different lengths of string in the holes at the top of each letter. Hang them from the number 8 figure. Add three pieces of string in the holes shown on the figure 8 to hang your mobile from the ceiling.

 

Talking lettersRoll and color-Alphabet-2

(Open letters-black and white) Print the letters and cut them out. Children can decorate them as they wish. Glue them on Popsicle sticks or drinking straws to create letter puppets. Children will use their imagination and bring the letters to life.

 

I am gluing letters

Give each child a piece of black construction paper. Have children glue small alphabet pasta on it.

Variation: If you wish to offer colourful pasta noodles for this activity or to create a manipulation bin, add two tablespoons of food coloring and three tablespoons of rubbing alcohol (combined) to 1 pint of noodles. Seal with a lid and shake the container gently to coat the noodles. Spread them out in a single layer on a baking sheet and let dry several hours.

 

Twisted letters

For each child, roll a long piece of waxed paper out on the floor. Draw the letters required to write each child’s name on his paper. Here, draw wide letter outlines that children can fill. Have them cut different lengths of colorful yarn and set them in a bowl filled with white glue. They can remove the pieces of yarn one by one, slide excess glue off them, and press them inside the letter outlines. The yarn pieces should be twisted and for the best result, they must overlap. Let dry. Children can remove the letters and hang them on a pretty ribbon.

 

My alphabet hat

(Open miniature alphabet) Print and cut out. Have children glue the shapes on a strip of construction paper and staple or tape the ends together to create special hats.

 

Have fun!

The educatall team

 

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