🧡 DIY Letter Matching Box
Fine Motor + Letter Recognition Activity for Kids
🛠 STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS FOR FAMILIES
✂️ Supplies Needed
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Medium cardboard box (shoe box or Amazon box works well)
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Brown craft paper or packing paper
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Tape
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Marker or pen
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Craft knife (adult use only)
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Scissors
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Alphabet letters (foam letters, magnetic letters, wooden letters, or paper cutouts)
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Optional: clear tape to reinforce openings
📦 Step 1: Prepare the Box
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Close and tape the box securely.
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Wrap the entire box in brown craft paper.
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Tape neatly underneath to keep it secure.
Tip: Wrapping it makes it look clean and prevents cardboard fraying.
✏️ Step 2: Add the Letters
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Spread your alphabet letters across the top of the box.
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Trace around each letter lightly with a pencil.
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Use a marker to write the corresponding letter above or near the slot.
You can:
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Use uppercase
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Use lowercase
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Or mix for a challenge
🔪 Step 3: Cut the Openings (Adult Only)
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Carefully cut a slit or small opening under each traced letter.
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The opening should be just large enough for the letter to slide in.
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Reinforce edges with clear tape if needed.
Safety reminder: This step is for adults only.
🎯 Step 4: Play & Learn!
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Lay the letters out in a basket.
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Have your child find the matching letter.
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Slide it into the correct opening.
Encourage:
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Saying the letter name
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Saying the letter sound
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Identifying beginning sounds of words
🌱 Skills This Activity Builds
✔ Fine motor control
✔ Hand-eye coordination
✔ Letter recognition
✔ Phonemic awareness
✔ Independent problem solving