- 26 paper or plastic cups
- re-sealable plastic bags
- paper alphabet squares
MA Standards:
Foundational Skills/RF.PK.MA.1.d: Recognize and name some uppercase letters of the alphabet and the lowercase letters in one’s own name.
Head Start Outcomes:
Literacy Knowledge/Alphabet Knowledge: Recognizes that the letters of the alphabet are a special category of visual graphics that can be individually named.
PreK Learning Guidelines:
English Language Arts/Reading and Literature 7: Develop familiarity with the forms of alphabet letters, awareness of print, and letter forms.
Learn About Letters Together: Lowercase Sort
© Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Department of Early Education and Care (Jennifer Waddell photographer). All rights reserved.
ELA Focus Skills: Alphabet Awareness, Follow Directions, Letter Recognition, Sorting
Educator Prep: Before the activity you will need to prepare alphabet squares and cups. First determine how many groups will be working, then make a set of cups and alphabet squares for each group. Write one lowercase letter of the alphabet on the side of each cup. Cut 3-inch paper squares and label each one with a lowercase letter of the alphabet.
Place a set of ABC squares in each re-sealable plastic bag. Then:
- Invite children to work in pairs or small groups.
- Give each pair/group a bag of letters and a set of cups.
- Have children put the letters into the correct cups.
- Remind children to match the letter with the letter written on the cup.
Educator Tip: Guided and independent letter, sound, and word practice continues to take place in center activities. If desired, you can set up the literacy center (ABC Center or similar) immediately after the direct instruction and repeat instruction before children work in the center identifying letters.
Adaptation: As an added challenge, make a set with both uppercase and lowercase letters written on the cups and a variety of uppercase/lowercase letters written on the squares. First, have children put the letters into the correct letter cup. Then sort the contents of each cup into uppercase and lowercase letters.
Adaptation: Pair younger children with older ones to help them identify/match/sort the letters.