ABC should be as easy as 123, but convincing a toddler to sit in one spot long enough to sing the entire Alphabet song is harder than…well honestly, we can’t think of anything more challenging! So we did our homework and found 10 awesome games even the busiest tot will enjoy. From feeding a hungry shark to fishing for letters, flip through the slideshow to discover your new favorite way to introduce the letters from A to Z.
ABC Shark Feed
We are chomping at the bit to try out this feed-the-shark alphabet game. Kristen of Toddler Approved got it right, the littles will love “feeding time,” so grab cardboard, card stock, tape and scissors to create your very own Great White.
School Bus ABC Game
Any toddler who loves all things vroom will enjoy this ABC game—we love the Fantastic Fun and Learning sets the stage for pretend play, too. Make a bus route around the room for the parents (i.e., kiddos) and passengers (i.e., bottle caps marked with letters). Let your tots claim their own "kid," and let the letter drop-off/pick-up ABC play begin.
Sticky Letter Game
Make those pesky ABCs stick in the mind of your toddler. Painters tape is the key (a few eager learners wouldn't hurt, either!) Take turns sticking letters and even making words. Head over to Growing Book by Book for the tutorial.
ABC Bean Bag Toss
With just a few pieces of cardboard, duct tape (it does everything!) and those handy-dandy plastic letters, create an easy ABC Bean Bag Toss n’ Match challenge. Set your letter signs as far as you think your toddler can toss and let them throw away. Get the tutorial over at Meri Cherry.
Runaway Letters
Growing Book by Book blogger Jodie sets up a perfect ABC game for busy toddlers. Using magnetic letters as your materials, sing the classic ABC song, let your kiddo snag a letter and run. Call for the letter using easy words and see your kiddo make a return trip.
Glow-in-the-Dark Matching Game
Glow-in-the-dark anything is awesome, so we are loving this creative matching game for toddlers from Where Imagination Grows. With just index cards, round stickers (the Dollar Tree is a go-to for these) and a black light, you can up the ante for budding letter learners.
ABC Hunt Game
Using plastic cups, markers, marbles or another small object, set up the toddler version of the classic game “find the bean.” Head over to Playdough to Plato to get more cool tips and find out why blog owner Malia suggests only using five letters at a time.
Hershey Kiss Memory Game
Make a game of memory even sweeter with Hershey Kisses and multi-colored circle stickers. First, find the matching letters, and then get a treat—a win-win! Find out how it’s done over at I Can Teach My Child.
Fishing for Letters
Easy to make and easy to play, Fishing for Letters is a favorite game for everyone. Allison of No Time for Flashcards lays out a simple (but brilliant) idea for picking out the “catch” of the day. Little ones may not even realize they are learning while playing with this idea. Grab card stock, make a fish template with markers, get cozy on the couch and get to cutting.
Felt Board Game
Use a felt board for your child to arrange their letters. It's a no-mess way for them to touch the letters as they place them on the felt board. (Making your felt board is an awesome DIY project; you'll get to decide the size and color!) As they learn, they can use the board to spell out different words. Check out the details from Mama.Papa.Bubba.
—Taylor Clifton & Gabby Cullen
Feature image: iStock
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