Ready for a hands-on way to better understand the letters of the alphabet? I love taking something my preschooler sees daily and breaking it down to create more connections. This alphabet sorting activity did exactly that.
Even better is when the learning activity is fun, hands-on, and simple to set up.
RELATED: Having simple setups to begin your day is vital. Our Startup Guide will set you up for success!
There is so much more to letters than names and sounds
I know it! This may be something new for all of us to hear. Did you know that letters have different line formations?
When looking at each letter, we can begin to recognize:
- curves
- crosses
- dots
- slants
- straight lines or sticks
- tunnels
- tails
Knowing that letters of the alphabet include straights and curves will help your preschoolers better understand how to write the letters down the road. – a pretty powerful concept to have in their toolbox.
RELATED: Read about letter recognition and which activities you can begin with.
Learning the letters of the alphabet can be fun!
Every child learns the letters of the alphabet at their own pace. Some will memorize the letter names early, and others will take longer to stick.
No matter what age or stage, the trick is to have letters in your home that your children can engage with through play.
For this alphabet activity, I cleared off the magnet board and got set up in a flash by bringing our magnetic letters to the table.
RELATED: If you want to add more alphabet toys, you will find the complete list of favorites.
Alphabet activities mixed with sorting are the bread and butter of early learning!
This preschool activity combines two foundational skills that our children need to practice over and over and over again. And then some more – the letters of the alphabet and classification.
Are you still with me? Yay! Let’s get set up.
Supplies
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White Paper Roll
This paper is a staple in our home. Place it on the table or a verticle surface. So many uses!
Magnetic Alphabet Letters and Numbers
Does your refrigerator need some letters? I thought maybe. (wink, wink) This colorful set can be used for games like alphabet sorting and poke the alphabet.
Washable Markers
Share these markers with your kids, or keep them for yourself. I am not one to judge; I like my own pack too.
Set-up directions
- Tape down white paper on the tabletop with painter’s tape.
- Draw a line down the center and babel one side straight. Label the other side curves.
- Sort through the alphabet and ONLY pick letters with one or the other.
- Save the letters of the alphabet with both lines and curves for the next time you play.
- Slide the letters to the left of the paper and invite your preschoolers to begin sorting letters with lines and letters with curves.
RELATED: Here is my list of favorite alphabet toys for kids.
Movement helps with memory
Learning through motion not only stimulates the brain but also improves focus! Having the flexibility to get up and touch each letter is, first and foremost, the way children learn best.
When my preschooler writes letters in school, he remembers that letters have lines and curves!
He remembers because we practiced by doing rather than memorizing flashcards. We moved! And by placing each letter of the alphabet to each category, we stimulated the brain to help it stick.
Let’s keep learning through movement. Try these alphabet activities next:
Who has time to search for ideas?
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FAQ
There are so many fun ways to teach your kids the alphabet. Play-based and hands-on activities are the best way to interest your kids in letters. Try simple matching games, sensory letter-searching bins, and outdoor movement. Use these learning activities to play at home.
Children should be exposed to letter names and sounds, but they should not be expected to have them mastered. Children need opportunities to play and manipulate letters to build on knowledge over time.
You can teach your kids the alphabet with everyday conversations, regular practice, games, sensory bins, hands-on activities, and lots of play-based learning! Read this article to help better understand letter recognition.
