2. Sand Box Writing

Help young children practice writing in the sand. Children can trace the shapes of letters with their fingers or use a stick to mimic the feel of a writing utensil.

This activity helps develop fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination, essential for writing. The tactile experience of drawing in the sand familiarizes children with the movements involved in forming letters.

Incorporating small objects like shells or pebbles can add an extra layer of engagement. Children can trace around these objects or use them to form letters and shapes, enhancing their creativity and sensory experience.

4. Circle Letter Hunt

Letter flashcards can be transformed into a fun and interactive learning activity with the help of a hula-hoop or a simple chalk circle.

Place a flashcard inside the hoop or circle, and challenge kids to find items that start with the letter on the card.

This scavenger hunt encourages children to think creatively and make connections between letters and objects in their environment. It also adds a physical element to learning, which can be particularly engaging for active learners.

Taking this game outside makes it even more exciting. Draw circles on the ground with chalk and put a flashcard in each one.

Let your kids explore and find things that match the letters. This simple activity helps them learn letters while having a blast running around and using their imagination.

6. Sensory Bag

Make an on-the-go letter hunt sensory bag. Fill a large ziplock bag with rice or beans, and mix in some alphabet beads or magnets.

Seal the bag firmly with packing tape so little fingers can’t get inside, and let kids poke and prod to find the letters hidden within. You can try this with a plastic bottle too.

8. DIY Name Puzzles

DIY name puzzles are a fun way for children to practice name and letter recognition using their own picture.

To create these personalized puzzles, gather large craft sticks (one for each letter of the child’s name), a printed picture, Mod Podge, a brush, tape, an Exacto knife, and a black Sharpie marker.

Line up and tape the sticks together, adjust the picture to fit, and apply a thin layer of Mod Podge to the sticks. Place the picture on top, cover it with another layer of Mod Podge, let it dry, then cut along each stick with the razor and write the letters of the child’s name on the bottom.

See more detailed instructions at Make, Take, and Teach. Children love seeing their own picture in the puzzle and enjoy the process of putting it together, which helps with letter recognition.

10. Photo Letter Hunt

Take advantage of children’s natural interest in technology by letting them use your phone to take pictures of letters they find while out and about.

These can be actual letters printed on signs or items that resemble letters. Kids will love the challenge of finding and photographing each letter!

12. Letter Ball Toss

Pick one ball and play catch with your child. As you toss the ball, say the name of the letter. As they catch it, they should say the sound the letter makes.

Then they toss it, saying the letter name, while you catch and say the sound. Repeat as long as you like, then move on to another letter.

14. Change Up the Classics

Put an alphabet spin on other classic games. For tic-tac-toe, have kids choose a letter other than X or O to represent them.

Label a hopscotch board with letters instead of numbers, and say the sounds they make as you jump along.

Run a relay race where kids must race to the end of a course, pick up the next alphabet block in order, then run back. The opportunities are endless!

18. Alphabet Bubbles

Try out this free letter A bubble pop game from ABCmouse.

Letter recognition is a crucial first step to literacy for your child. When they recognize letters, they learn that each one has a unique shape and sound, which is essential for reading and writing.

20. Z is for Zebra

Match pictures of animals with the letters they start with in this fun game that’s great for learning beginning letter sounds. 

22. Alphabet Bubble Burst

Alphabet Bubble Burst helps preschoolers develop literacy skills by practicing phonics and letter recognition.

Children pop bubbles based on the sounds of letters. This game reinforces alphabetical order and helps kids become familiar with letter shapes and names.

27. Shaving Cream Letters

Kids love this one! Spread shaving cream (whipped cream works, too) on a tray, then let kids use their fingers to trace out shapes and eventually letters.  

29. Name the Parts

Ask your child to point out and name various parts of a book, like the front cover, back cover, pages, title, author’s name, and more. Learn more about Print Awareness here.  

31. Library Day

Make it a habit to frequently visit the library to see the wide selection of books that are available.

Show your child everything the library has to offer, including books they won’t be ready for until they’re older as well as other resources like computers, magazines, videos, and more. 

33. Act It Out

Use finger puppets, stuffed animals, and toys to put on short plays inspired by the stories you and your preschooler have read together. Even better, act out the roles yourselves!

36. What Comes Next?

As you’re reading a new storybook together, stop frequently and ask your child what they think will happen next. You can also ask them to create a new ending for the story when you’re done. 

39. Offer Choice

Let your child choose the kinds of books they’d like to read together, even if they seem a little silly or repetitive to you. At this age, all reading is worthwhile.