Fun with Letters

Even when kids are trapped at home, they can use a fun learning activity to keep them busy and engaged. Today’s activity focuses on combining play and learning in a way that will make parents and kids happy! This activity is a part of the Activity of the Day series.

Fun with Letters

This activity uses tape and small objects to practice letter recognition and fine motor skills. If your kid is past the learning letters stage, make sure you check out the notes I’ve given below. There are ways to adjust this activity to make it work for you.

Supplies

• masking or painter’s tape
• small objects or toys

Set Up

1. Create a letter (or shape) on the floor using tape.
2. Show your little one how to line up small objects on the lines. Talk about the letter and sound while you are doing this.
3. Encourage them to finish the task of putting objects on the tape.

Babies (under 1)

This activity isn’t great for our under 1 crowd. They may join in if they have an older sibling but they’re less likely to do it on their own. You could still make the letters and place the objects on yourself. Then, watch to see how they choose to discover and use the objects from there.

Toddlers (1-3)

This activity is great for letter recognition and fine motor practice. In addition to placing objects on the lines, you can also drive cars along the line for additional practice and fun.

Preschoolers (3-5)

For preschoolers, I would extend the learning by spelling out their name in tape. In addition to talking about the letters, you can also talk about their name and encourage them to cover the letters in order. If your little one has moved on to writing, then you can have them practice their writing skills as well.

Big Kids (6+)

Our big kids are usually quite familiar with letters. You can adjust this activity for them by having them help in the creation of the letters. This may require some problem solving on their part for the letters with curves since tape is straight. You can add to the challenge by having them spell words. You can add in some math practice by having them count the objects or by having them make patterns using their objects.

Notes

If you don’t feel comfortable using tape on your floor, you can also use print outs, cardboard, or poster board to create the letters. Just make sure they are big enough for objects to fit along the lines.

This activity is a part of our Activity of the Day series. This series was created to help parents with activities to do during school closures due to the coronavirus. Check back every weekday for new activity that you can do with kids of all ages!