CLICK HERE to find summer FINE MOTOR activities! “I’m looking for ways to keep my preschooler interested in the alphabet while he’s at home on summer break.” This was a recent email I got from a dear reader. While I have my own fun preschool literacy ideas, I wanted to expand the collection. And so, I asked my favorite early childhood bloggers. They didn’t disappoint. In fact, I got over 35 of the very best preschool literacy ideas. This collection is amazing! Best part? No workbooks or flashcards are involved. Nope. These are hands-on, FUN activities with a summer twist. They can be done indoors or outdoors. (Who wants to be indoors on a nice summer day?)
35+ Preschool Literacy Ideas that are Perfect for Summer
Container of soapy water, container of fresh water, plastic dishes, Sharpie Alphabet Wash: Place letters in sudsy water for an alphabet wash. (Moments Enriched) Two water bins, sponge, letters Letter Squirting: Write your child’s name on cups and use the hose to squirt each cup as the letter is recognized. (Inspiration Laboratories) Cups, masking tape, Sharpie, table, water hose Letter Table: Put letter stamps in your outdoor water table. (How Wee Learn) Bin with water, stamps, surface to stamp on Letter Sprinkling: Sprinkle water from a watering can while learning letters. (Toddler Approved) Watering can, water, chalk Chalk, bucket of water, paintbrush Outdoor Chalkboard: Make your own outdoor chalkboard to practice writing letters. (Rhythms of Play) Interior wooden door, paint supplies, screws and anchors Chalk Letters: Write letters on the sidewalk and trace them with rocks. (And Next Comes L) Chalk, small rocks Large sheet of paper, marker, items from the yard Backyard ABC Hunt: Hide all the letters of the alphabet in the backyard and go find them. (Fun Learning for Kids) Supplies: Markers and cardstock Name Hunt: Go on a Little Bo Peep name hunt. (Messy Little Monster) Squares of green card, black card, white cupcake liners, googly eyes Foam letters, bin, scoops Alphabet Box: Make your own letter box that can be used all summer long for literacy activities. Storage drawer cabinet, letters (stickers, foam, or magnetic) Ping pong balls, bin filled with water, Sharpie, nets Going Fishing: Fish for letters in an ocean alphabet. (Kitchen Floor Crafts) Craft foam, Sharpie, pool noodle Chalk, music Water Balloon Fun: Play an alphabet game with water balloons. (Teaching Mama) Water balloons, alphabet letters, small objects Water Balloon Smash: Use water balloons to play letter smash. (School Time Snippets) Water balloons, Sharpie, chalk, water balloon pump Alphabet Race Track: Make a giant letter race track and to spell words. (Fantastic Fun and Learning) Wood, paint Alphabet Dig: Dig for letters in the dirt. (Mom to 2 Posh Lil Divas) Dirt, letters, shovel Letter Jump: Get moving while participating in a noisy letter jump. (The Imagination Tree) Chalk Alphabet Swat: Get the body moving while playing an alphabet bug swat game. (Modern Preschool) Fly swatter, chalk Alphabet Kites: Make paper letter or word kites with wet chalk. (The Preschool Tool Box) Square piece of paper, chalk, painter’s tape, cup, water Alphabet ice trays, water, food coloring Erupting Letters: Experience letter eruptions outdoors. (Learn Play Imagine) Cornstarch, baking soda, water, food coloring, foam brushes, Kool Aid, squeeze bottles Magnetic garage door, magnetic letters Octopus Hot Dogs: While focusing on the letter O, make octopus hot dogs. (A Mom with a Lesson Plan) Hot dog, knife Literacy Picnic: Have a read and draw picnic. (No Time for Flash Cards) Book, clipboard, blanket, art materials Writing Center: Create an outdoor writing center. (Lalymom) Easel, writing tools, accessories Sensory Fun: After reading the book “We’re Going on a Bear Hunt”, go on a sensory adventure in your backyard. (Play and Learn Everyday) Little people, various props that go with book Popsicle Stick Letters: Make a letter recognition activity using popsicle sticks. (How Wee Learn) Popsicle sticks, marker, clothespins Shell Letters: Write letters on real shells for a fun summer alphabet activity. (The Imagination Tree) Shells, Sharpie, dyed rice Fun Summer Activities and Printables 25+ Summer Printables 35+ Toddler Summer Activities 46 Fun Preschool Summer Activities Easy to follow plans that include activity modifications and adaptations to meet the needs of all learners. For more information, click on the graphics below: Here is my Privacy Policy
