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You are here: Home / Alphabet / How to make a Montessori Alphabet Box

How to make a Montessori Alphabet Box

June 18, 2013

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Introducing letters to your child with corresponding beginning-sound objects helps your child correlate beginning sounds when they see and feel an object. Literacy learning is a whole-body, sensory experience!

While I taught kindergarten, I would often make letter baskets with my children, which included several objects that began with the first letter of our Letter of the Week. When I first saw a Montessori Alphabet Box at Counting Coconuts, I knew that I had to make one for my own children.

My son is not at the stage of learning his phonetic sounds yet, but we will use his Alphabet Box in about a year, when I think he will understand the concept, and respect the contents of the drawers!

I am not specifying what age he will start, I am gauging when he is developmentally ready as a learner — it may be sooner or later with your child!

How to make a Montessori Alphabet Box from Wildflower Ramblings

Here are the supplies I used:

  • A drawer storage cabinet — looks like they don’t sell the 30 drawer one anymore, but here is a 27 drawer one, or you could always check your local hardware store to see if you can find one!
  • I downloaded this alphabet chart from K-3 Teacher Resources in the font: US Zaner Bloser.  I wanted to have upper and lower case on the boxes themselves.  I cut out the letters and carefully taped them onto the boxes.
  • Grab Bag of trinkets from the HighPie Etsy shop
  • Various language and alphabet objects from Montessori Services
  • I printed out the ABC Chart from Homeschool Creations and cut out the individual letters to put into each drawer
  • For letter X: I included the x-ray picture from Homeschool Creations’ Alphabet Cut & Paste Sheets — you can cut a lot of these out if you don’t want to purchase objects!
  • You may find some items at your house, so be on the look-out! (with Barbie sets, etc.) — I am still looking for little trinkets at Michael’s and little local gift shops to continue adding to my collection — I want to buy some awesome Toobs — if you have any more suggestions for where you can purchase, please let me know!

I should note that many of these items are huge choking hazards, so only use these learning materials when your child is ready to use them properly — and keep them away from any younger children!

Here are some learning suggestions:

  • As you introduce letters, give your child the contents of a letter drawer and let him/her explore.
  • Put a letter mat down and have your child place each object down while verbally speaking the name of the object. (I love the simple mats from Homeschool Creations, as well as any pages from 1+1+1=1’s Tot School ABCs.)
  • Empty the contents of two letter drawers into a center tray. Have your child sort the objects under the letter card (or into its letter drawer). You can then give your child 3 trays and work from there.
  • Place 2 to 5+ objects down and ask, “What object begins with a “mmm” sound?
  • Counting Coconuts has a great picture to explain combining sandpaper cards and letter objects.

And here are all of our drawers:

How to make a Montessori Alphabet Box from Wildflower Ramblings

Aa: apple, alligator, (airplane)

Bb: basket, bean, bear, bone, butterfly, bus

Cc: cat, cow, clothespin, cup, car, crown, Coke

Dd: dragonfly, dollar, dog, dice, deer, diamond

Ee: elephant, egg

How to make a Montessori Alphabet Box from Wildflower Ramblings

Ff: flip flop, flamingo, french horn, fish, frog, flower

Gg: glasses, golf club, gorilla, (giraffe)

Hh: heart, hat, hanger, hummingbird, hammer

Ii: infant, ice

Jj: jug, jet, jack-o-lantern

How to make a Montessori Alphabet Box from Wildflower Ramblings

Kk: kangaroo, koala, key

Ll: lion, lobster, lamp

Mm: mop, marble, mushroom, monkey, mermaid

Nn: nut, note

Oo: octopus, (owl)

How to make a Montessori Alphabet Box from Wildflower Ramblings

Pp: panda, pig, pear, pencil, peacock

Qq: quarter, question mark

Rr: rhino, rabbit, ring

Ss: seal, saw, seashell, seahorse, star, scooter

Tt: tree, turtle, tennis ball

How to make a Montessori Alphabet Box from Wildflower Ramblings

Uu: umbrella, unicorn

Vv: vacuum (!), violin, volleyball

Ww: whale

Xx: x-ray, xylophone

Yy: yarn ball, yarn

Zz: zebra, zipper

How to make a Montessori Alphabet Box from Wildflower Ramblings

For more alphabet box inspiration, you can check out these posts:

  • Living Montessori Now has so many wonderful Alphabet Box suggestions and examples.
  • 1plus1plus1equals1 wrote about why “Hands on the Alphabet” helps children learn their letters and sounds.
  • Teaching Mama has an inspiring post on her Alphabet Sound Boxes.
  • I Can Teach My Child has fun Letter Boxes with a Scavenger Hunt!

Or you could make it really simple for yourself and buy this amazing set: Alphabet Sounds Tub!  (It is $149, but it may be worth it to those who don’t want to spend the time to put it together!)

Looking for more Learning Activities at home?  Check out my ABC Learning Pinterest Board!

Follow Wildflower Ramblings’s board ABC Learning on Pinterest.

And my Montessori Learning Pinterest Board!

Follow Wildflower Ramblings’s board Montessori on Pinterest.

Happy teaching,
 photo Amy3_zps8e2e6a59.png

 

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Comments

  1. Rachel Haggard says

    June 18, 2013 at 11:40 am

    No pics of the kids…???

    Reply
    • wildflowerramblings says

      June 19, 2013 at 7:10 am

      John hasn’t worked with this yet — he’s still a little too young!

      Reply
      • Rachel Haggard says

        June 19, 2013 at 9:15 am

        Oh, I see… I didn’t actually read the post before, just looked at the pics. hehe! But I can’t believe you made this a YEAR before he is going to use it. You are nuts! …but in a good way ;) love ya!

        Reply
        • Elin Ridenour says

          June 11, 2014 at 4:46 pm

          Nice boxes!! :)

          Reply
  2. Angela @ Teaching Mama says

    June 18, 2013 at 11:16 pm

    This is so wonderful! Thank you for linking my alphabet sound box to your post!
    Angela @ Teaching Mama recently posted…10 Awesome Preschool AppsMy Profile

    Reply
    • wildflowerramblings says

      June 21, 2013 at 10:08 am

      Thanks, Angela ♥
      wildflowerramblings recently posted…Guest Post at My Joy Filled Life: A is for AlphabetMy Profile

      Reply
  3. Katie @ Gift of Curiosity says

    June 18, 2013 at 11:44 pm

    Thanks so much for sharing what you put in the boxes and a bit about how to use the objects. I haven’t started doing letter learning in earnest with my kids but plan to start soon, and this gave me some really great ideas to get started!
    Katie @ Gift of Curiosity recently posted…Insect sensory binMy Profile

    Reply
    • wildflowerramblings says

      June 19, 2013 at 7:17 am

      Thanks, Katie! I can’t wait to use it with my son — I have seen so many children learn sounds from simply remembering the objects that match the letters!

      Reply
  4. Sanz @ From The Mrs. says

    June 19, 2013 at 12:27 pm

    Holy moly, Girl! You are on the ball. I bet your kids have a blast with all your fun activities!

    Reply
    • wildflowerramblings says

      June 21, 2013 at 10:09 am

      Haha, you’re hilarious — I need to remember to do the activities and not just make them — I have a lot of fun “being creative” though :)
      wildflowerramblings recently posted…Guest Post at My Joy Filled Life: A is for AlphabetMy Profile

      Reply
  5. Kirstylee says

    June 19, 2013 at 5:55 pm

    I love your ideas for where to get all the little trinkets. I love the idea of alphabet boxes, but I have always been so overwhelmed by having to buy all of the small objects. You make it look so easy, maybe I’ll finally give it a try!
    Kirstylee recently posted…Preschool 4th of July CraftsMy Profile

    Reply
    • wildflowerramblings says

      June 19, 2013 at 6:21 pm

      I’m so glad that I encouraged you that it’s “do-able”!! Can’t wait to see what you come up with ;)

      Reply
  6. pinkoddy says

    June 19, 2013 at 6:18 pm

    That is a really good idea, but my boy would put those little things in his mouth so I think I need to think about it on a bigger scale.

    Thank you for sharing at #MotivationalMonday
    pinkoddy recently posted…The Science Experiment – Germination #KidsGrowWild challengeMy Profile

    Reply
    • wildflowerramblings says

      June 21, 2013 at 10:11 am

      This is why I won’t be using it with my son until he is around 3 1/2 or 4 years — there are some choking hazards here!! Thanks for visiting :)
      wildflowerramblings recently posted…Guest Post at My Joy Filled Life: A is for AlphabetMy Profile

      Reply
  7. Shay says

    June 20, 2013 at 7:51 pm

    This is such a great idea! Thanks for sharing!
    Shay recently posted…Wordless Wednesday: Zeke at the Bike RodeoMy Profile

    Reply
  8. Dinah says

    June 21, 2013 at 9:08 am

    Thanks for sharing this…I really want to make one of these! Yours is so cute:)

    Reply
  9. Mary Catherine says

    June 23, 2013 at 12:35 am

    What a great resource, and such a nice way to organize the materials. I use one of those boxes to organize my magnetic letters, and I may need to create this kind of box as well. Thanks for linking up with Stress-Free Sunday! Hope you’re able to stop by again this week! :)
    Mary Catherine recently posted…Stress-Free Sunday #14 {Engineer’s Choice}My Profile

    Reply
  10. Cathy says

    June 23, 2013 at 2:40 pm

    Hi there! I am co-hosting this week on the Raising Imperfetion Sunday Link Party. Thanks for sharing your creations with us! I hope you found inspiration in all of the terrific posts.

    I host a (Not SO) Wordless Wednesday Blog Hop and a TGIF Link Party at my place — A Peek Into My Paradise… http://apeekintomyparadise.blogspot.com/ I would love for you to link up and follow if you like what you see. =) I follow back – I love making new friends!

    I can’t wait to see what you link up next week!

    Hugs, Cathy

    Reply
  11. Lanaya | Raising Reagan says

    June 24, 2013 at 12:10 am

    What a great box Amy! Thank you for sharing :)

    Thank you for linking to Raising Imperfection.
    Please come back Friday to see if you were featured. :)

    ¤´¨)
    ¸.•*´
    (¸¤ Lanaya | xoxo
    Raising-Reagan.com
    Lanaya | Raising Reagan recently posted…Raising Imperfection Sunday Link Party Week 28My Profile

    Reply
  12. Momma Jo says

    June 24, 2013 at 2:27 am

    OMGsh, what a fantastic idea!!!! I would never even have contemplated doing that! Thanks for sharing.

    Your post has been selected to feature on this weeks Hearts of the Home Blog Hop on Monsters Ed. Congratulations!!! http://monstersed.wordpress.com/2013/06/27/hearts-for-the-home-blog-hop-5/
    Momma Jo recently posted…Hearts of the Home Blog Hop #4My Profile

    Reply
  13. Tulip says

    June 24, 2013 at 4:40 pm

    This is a beautiful learning toy. I love all of the little details you put in the boxes. Thanks for sharing at Mom’s Library! Pinned!
    Tulip recently posted…Easy Crafts for Kids: Exploring Color with Kiwi CrateMy Profile

    Reply
    • wildflowerramblings says

      June 24, 2013 at 9:26 pm

      Thanks so much, Tulip :)

      Reply
  14. Leslie says

    June 24, 2013 at 7:38 pm

    What a great learning tool. I really love the concept of this. I’d love to make one for Violet.

    Thank you for linking up to Raising Imperfection!
    Make sure to check back on Friday to see if you were featured.
    Leslie
    http://www.violetimperfection.com

    Reply
    • wildflowerramblings says

      June 24, 2013 at 9:26 pm

      Thanks, Leslie!!

      Reply
  15. Deceptively Educational says

    June 24, 2013 at 10:15 pm

    This is amazing! I’d love it if you’d share this at the After School Linky Party on my blog right now (and every Monday): deceptivelyeducational.blogspot.com. Thanks!
    Deceptively Educational recently posted…After School Linky Party (6/24)My Profile

    Reply
    • Deceptively Educational says

      June 30, 2013 at 10:51 pm

      I’m SO glad you linked up at the After School Linky. I’m featuring this tomorrow; stop by to check it out and share more of your extraordinary ideas and activities!
      Deceptively Educational recently posted…Division 1 Racing [Printable Math Game]My Profile

      Reply
  16. Caroline says

    June 26, 2013 at 10:56 am

    Nice breakdown of what you include in your alphabet boxes. Thanks for sharing!
    Caroline recently posted…Roots for the Journey {a music review}My Profile

    Reply
  17. Sarah @ My Joy-Filled Life says

    June 27, 2013 at 8:15 am

    Amy – I love this idea!! My kids would love it! I think I’m going to make this after we move!

    I’m featuring your post at the Hearts for Home Blog Hop today! I hope you’ll stop by and link up again and grab an “I was featured” button!

    Blessings!

    http://www.myjoyfilledlife.com/2013/06/hearts-for-home-blog-hop-23.html

    Reply
    • wildflowerramblings says

      June 27, 2013 at 8:22 am

      Thanks so much Sarah!!
      wildflowerramblings recently posted…Tot School – Letter MMy Profile

      Reply
  18. Julie says

    June 27, 2013 at 2:54 pm

    Oh that’s cleaver. When my kids were learning their letters we gathered up household items that began with a particular letter and played with them for a while each morning before putting them back. I bet it’s fun for the kids to add items to the drawers.
    Julie recently posted…Making Tomales with KidsMy Profile

    Reply
  19. Tiffany says

    June 28, 2013 at 12:40 pm

    I love this!! I pinned it to my preschool board :D Thank you for this amazing post. I’m following your blog. I found you through Violet Imperfection, today.
    Tiffany recently posted…Real Talk: Potty Training, Cottonelle Wipes & Good Toilet Paper.My Profile

    Reply
  20. racheous says

    June 28, 2013 at 7:01 pm

    Found you through another linky! This is such a comprehensive post. I’ve been meaning to make something similar. If/when I do, I will link back to you! Thank you for sharing!
    racheous recently posted…Montessori Mythbusters – My SayMy Profile

    Reply
  21. Rebecca says

    June 30, 2013 at 2:39 am

    Lovely idea!

    Just letting you know I’ve featured this on The Sunday Showcase: http://www.herecomethegirlsblog.com/2013/06/29/the-sunday-showcase-letters-and-words.html
    Rebecca recently posted…The Sunday Showcase: Letters and WordsMy Profile

    Reply
    • wildflowerramblings says

      June 30, 2013 at 1:30 pm

      I’m so honored, thanks Rebecca!!

      Reply
  22. Jenn says

    July 9, 2013 at 2:16 pm

    Quick question, I am making these boxes and was wondering how you got the tiny little coloured ABC cards in each box? How did you get them so small?

    Reply
    • wildflowerramblings says

      July 9, 2013 at 10:11 pm

      I’m so glad you asked, Jenn, you can print out the Alphabet poster from Homeschool Creations (http://homeschoolcreations.com/preschoolalphabet.html) on a smaller scale, after you hit “print”, click on “custom scale” — I think that I printed it out at 50%, then I laminated them and cut them out. I hope that helps!! Amy

      Reply
  23. Lauren says

    August 7, 2013 at 8:57 am

    I love this! Thank you so much for sharing at our Pinteresting Party! I’ll be sharing with my readers on FB & G+. They’re going to love this idea too!

    Reply
    • wildflowerramblings says

      August 7, 2013 at 9:08 am

      Wow, thanks so much Lauren, I really appreciate it!!

      Reply
  24. Alicia says

    December 29, 2013 at 11:41 pm

    I love this idea! I was a sucker and bought some canned soup looking set from Learning Resources. It’s okay but we’ve had it for some time and haven’t used it much. I LOVE this!
    Alicia recently posted…White Chocolate Cherry Almond ChunkiesMy Profile

    Reply
    • wildflowerramblings says

      December 30, 2013 at 8:06 am

      Thanks, Alicia — we aren’t using it yet — but I know it will be a good investment!

      Reply
  25. Eva says

    September 3, 2015 at 10:35 am

    Hi! The etsy shop you mentioned to by small objects from is not active since a long period now. You can also find a great choice of miniatures at MIMIAbyMIA. There are various options at a great price. https://www.etsy.com/es/shop/MIMIAbyMIA

    Reply

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Amy is a former Kindergarten teacher, M.Ed., turned homeschooling mom. Sharing her imperfect life and her love of teaching & learning, reading, herbal remedies, parenting and more.
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