70+ pages to help you teach your child! This book helps you to define, and shares practical ways to teach, the developmental levels of literacy learning.
{This post may contain affiliate links, please see my disclosure policy.}
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!
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:
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
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
Kk: kangaroo, koala, key
Ll: lion, lobster, lamp
Mm: mop, marble, mushroom, monkey, mermaid
Nn: nut, note
Oo: octopus, (owl)
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
Uu: umbrella, unicorn
Vv: vacuum (!), violin, volleyball
Ww: whale
Xx: x-ray, xylophone
Yy: yarn ball, yarn
Zz: zebra, zipper
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,
Subscribe to our weekly newsletter
My ABC Lego Cards {uppercase and lowercase!} are available for FREE to email subscribers.
Rachel Haggard says
June 18, 2013 at 11:40 amNo pics of the kids…???
wildflowerramblings says
June 19, 2013 at 7:10 amJohn hasn’t worked with this yet — he’s still a little too young!
Rachel Haggard says
June 19, 2013 at 9:15 amOh, 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!
Elin Ridenour says
June 11, 2014 at 4:46 pmNice boxes!! :)
Angela @ Teaching Mama says
June 18, 2013 at 11:16 pmThis is so wonderful! Thank you for linking my alphabet sound box to your post!
Angela @ Teaching Mama recently posted…10 Awesome Preschool Apps
wildflowerramblings says
June 21, 2013 at 10:08 amThanks, Angela ♥
wildflowerramblings recently posted…Guest Post at My Joy Filled Life: A is for Alphabet
Katie @ Gift of Curiosity says
June 18, 2013 at 11:44 pmThanks 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 bin
wildflowerramblings says
June 19, 2013 at 7:17 amThanks, 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!
Sanz @ From The Mrs. says
June 19, 2013 at 12:27 pmHoly moly, Girl! You are on the ball. I bet your kids have a blast with all your fun activities!
wildflowerramblings says
June 21, 2013 at 10:09 amHaha, 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 Alphabet
Kirstylee says
June 19, 2013 at 5:55 pmI 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 Crafts
wildflowerramblings says
June 19, 2013 at 6:21 pmI’m so glad that I encouraged you that it’s “do-able”!! Can’t wait to see what you come up with ;)
pinkoddy says
June 19, 2013 at 6:18 pmThat 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 challenge
wildflowerramblings says
June 21, 2013 at 10:11 amThis 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 Alphabet
Shay says
June 20, 2013 at 7:51 pmThis is such a great idea! Thanks for sharing!
Shay recently posted…Wordless Wednesday: Zeke at the Bike Rodeo
Dinah says
June 21, 2013 at 9:08 amThanks for sharing this…I really want to make one of these! Yours is so cute:)
Mary Catherine says
June 23, 2013 at 12:35 amWhat 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}
Cathy says
June 23, 2013 at 2:40 pmHi 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
Lanaya | Raising Reagan says
June 24, 2013 at 12:10 amWhat 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 28
Momma Jo says
June 24, 2013 at 2:27 amOMGsh, 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 #4
Tulip says
June 24, 2013 at 4:40 pmThis 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 Crate
wildflowerramblings says
June 24, 2013 at 9:26 pmThanks so much, Tulip :)
Leslie says
June 24, 2013 at 7:38 pmWhat 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
wildflowerramblings says
June 24, 2013 at 9:26 pmThanks, Leslie!!
Deceptively Educational says
June 24, 2013 at 10:15 pmThis 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)
Deceptively Educational says
June 30, 2013 at 10:51 pmI’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]
Caroline says
June 26, 2013 at 10:56 amNice breakdown of what you include in your alphabet boxes. Thanks for sharing!
Caroline recently posted…Roots for the Journey {a music review}
Sarah @ My Joy-Filled Life says
June 27, 2013 at 8:15 amAmy – 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
wildflowerramblings says
June 27, 2013 at 8:22 amThanks so much Sarah!!
wildflowerramblings recently posted…Tot School – Letter M
Julie says
June 27, 2013 at 2:54 pmOh 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 Kids
Tiffany says
June 28, 2013 at 12:40 pmI 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.
racheous says
June 28, 2013 at 7:01 pmFound 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 Say
Rebecca says
June 30, 2013 at 2:39 amLovely 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 Words
wildflowerramblings says
June 30, 2013 at 1:30 pmI’m so honored, thanks Rebecca!!
Jenn says
July 9, 2013 at 2:16 pmQuick 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?
wildflowerramblings says
July 9, 2013 at 10:11 pmI’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
Lauren says
August 7, 2013 at 8:57 amI 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!
wildflowerramblings says
August 7, 2013 at 9:08 amWow, thanks so much Lauren, I really appreciate it!!
Alicia says
December 29, 2013 at 11:41 pmI 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 Chunkies
wildflowerramblings says
December 30, 2013 at 8:06 amThanks, Alicia — we aren’t using it yet — but I know it will be a good investment!
Eva says
September 3, 2015 at 10:35 amHi! 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