The Best Letter Recognition Game for Preschoolers!

Looking for a fun way to play with the ABCs? This letter recognition game, using disposable spoons and a cardboard box, is a great homemade alternative or complement to flashcards and worksheets!

An alphabet game that can be made on a budget!

There is nothing more satisfying than making a fun game for letter recognition while using everyday items you can likely find around the house! And the big backs of the spoons make for a perfect space to write on. What’s better than learning letters? Learning letters while improving fine motors skills! This activity is great for exercising those little hand muscles as they drop the spoons into the small slots!

All activities should be supervised by an adult. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links.

Skills: Alphabet, Arts & Crafts

Ages: 2–3 Years

Prep Time: 30 Min

Watch the video to see this game being played!

Children can enjoy matching the letters and poking them into the cardboard box. This version of the game involves matching uppercase letters for building recognition skills, but this set up is a great way to play with matching upper and lowercases. Numbers would work well too. And for toddlers, you could skip the alphabet altogether, and have them match colors!

Watch the video to see this game being played!

Children can enjoy matching the letters and poking them into the cardboard box. This version of the game involves matching uppercase letters for building recognition skills, but this set up is a great way to play with matching upper and lowercases. Numbers would work well too. And for toddlers, you could skip the alphabet altogether, and have them match colors!

Speaking of colors, you might be wondering: why color coordinate the letters into sections? I used colors because it can be a helpful guide for children who are still learning where letters fall within the alphabet. Skip this step if your little ones are more familiar with their ABCs!

Materials

Cardboard Box
Disposable Spoons

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1

Grab an old cardboard box and write each letter of the alphabet, outlining in black for a bolder appearance!

Step 2

Now, write each letter on the bowl of your disposable spoon.

Step 3

Use a sharp knife to cut slits into the cardboard box for each letter, and your alphabet game is ready to be played!

Step 1

Grab an old cardboard box and write each letter of the alphabet, outlining in black for a bolder appearance!

Step 2

Now, write each letter on the bowl of your disposable spoon.

Step 3

Use a sharp knife to cut slits into the cardboard box for each letter, and your alphabet game is ready to be played!

When do kids start learning the alphabet?

While every child learns at a different pace, letter recognition typically begins between 3 and 4 years old. This is when they also begin to associate sounds with letters. Of course, singing the ABC Song to babies and toddlers is a great way to provide early exposure. By age 5-6, when children are in Kindergarten, it is common for them to be able to recognize all the letters in the alphabet.

When do kids start learning the alphabet?

While every child learns at a different pace, letter recognition typically begins between 3 and 4 years old. This is when they also begin to associate sounds with letters. Of course, singing the ABC Song to babies and toddlers is a great way to provide early exposure. By age 5-6, when children are in Kindergarten, it is common for them to be able to recognize all the letters in the alphabet.

Four Alphabet Learning Toys

Need some ideas for store-bought toys that are great for fine motor skill development Here are my top picks of toys for toddlers that are great for strengthening hand muscles, with a particular focus on pincher grasp!