{Play} Alphabet Sticks and Pencil Holder
October 6, 2011 in All Posts, Play
When I was growing up, the little wooden sticks we used to craft with were called “tongue depressors.” My parents would bring them home for us to play with and they were sturdy, smooth and free. Nowadays, there are these things called “craft sticks,” which you not only have to pay for, but have to suffer their thin, splintery poor quality. Regardless what you call them, there are endless learning and crafting uses, which is why I’ll shell out the $4.99 for a pack.
Our latest activity using craft sticks: Alphabet Sticks!
I had no idea what a big hit these would be with both Jane and Sam. Except for things like pretend baking and Water Painting, we usually can’t craft and play together because Sam is still in the eating everything phase and hasn’t grasped the concept of taking turns or working on your own project. So, I was glad when both children enjoyed this activity.
Here’s what you’ll need for this super fun learning activity and how to do it:
Materials
- jumbo craft sticks (or swipe a few tongue depressors at your next doctor’s appointment)
- small alphabet stickers (we got ours from the $1 Target bins)
- an old pencil holder (optional)
Step 1
Have your toddler peel the stickers off herself. It might be a little difficult at first, but eventually she’ll get the hang of it.
Step 2
Have your toddler place the stickers on the craft sticks one at a time. The stickers don’t need to placed at the top as we did - that’s just what Jane decided she wanted to do.
Step 3
Learn your letters or create words!
Optional
Create a holder for your sticks using an old pencil holder or other cup by sticking extra letters around the cup and sealing it with Mod Podge.
You’re finished!
For Younger Toddlers
If you have a younger toddler (Sam is 16 months), he can also practice letter recognition and sounds. He’ll also love simply manipulating and exploring the Alphabet Sticks and cup.
LEARN! Fine motor skills, alphabet, letter recognition, letter sounds, concentration, grasping (for young toddlers), hand-eye coordination (for young toddlers)
Linked up to The Play Academy.
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Chrissy – who has written 426 posts on The Outlaw Mom® Blog - Creative Living in a Conventional World.
What a great idea. I love the idea that children can ‘play’ with the letters in what ever way they like. Being exposed to early literacy through play. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for coming to visit, Peta! This was really fun for us - hope you get to try it, too
I’d like to echo the sentiment of the commenters who have come before; this is a wonderful idea, combining gross and fine motor skills with the love of all things sticker. I like the idea of getting to physically manipulate the alphabet too. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for stopping by, Kiyah! I also liked that the kids were able to play with the alphabet from start to finish in whatever games they made up with the sticks. It’s nice that we can use them as a learning and playing tool (until they break!).
I love an activity or idea that can be used by all ages in different ways. Great idea!
It’s hard to find something that works across age levels, isn’t it?! You have some really great ideas at your blog - excited to try out some new activities! Thanks for stopping by
Great idea, and really useful fun way to help children who have difficulty spelling words, especially if they made them. I guess you could also cut out the letter from magazine headline text if you can’t find stickers.
Hi Mark! I’m so glad you stopped by because I discovered your blog, Let’s Go Make, that way and LOVE it! All your video tutorials are awesome. I like being walked through a process
I think using magazine text would be a great idea. You’d just have to make sure they were small enough. The kids would have so much fun gluing! (Well, my daughter is a glue fanatic).
love this idea so fun and at this age they all love stickers
You’re so right - there are no more bare surfaces on our furniture from all the sticking of stickers going on! This one was definitely fun for my daughter because it took some coordination to peel the stickers off (since they were smaller) and to place them properly on the craft sticks. Thanks for your comment
What a GREAT idea! I have to agree how pathetic it is that they cost so much, but I always find myself shelling out to buy more.
I know, it sort of kills me, but they’re handy! Thanks for stopping by