My son has been asking how to spell things for some time, but now he wants to know how to write them too. Problem is he’s not proficient in writing yet but refuses to let me help. So instead of the whole process ending in frustrated tears we made these letter tracing place mats. So easy to make and for the same price as one pre made place mat you can buy a whole roll of contact paper and make a bunch. Remember only to use washable markers on them and you will be set!
- Gather your materials. You will need contact paper, a marker , some paper towels, stickers, and scissors.
- Start by writing out the words or letters for the mat. Make sure the marker you use doesn’t bleed. I used paper towels because they are a perfect size for a place mat. Paper will work just fine.
- Add your stickers. My son wanted a fire truck themed one and I made an alphabet mat for him as well. We chose uppercase but there is no rule that you have to do uppercase.
- Cut your contact paper so you sandwich the place mat in it. Place the place mat face down to help avoid bubbles.
- Smooth and trim the edges.
- Start writing! This was a huge hit with my son and the place mat can double as a mat for play dough, art and eating too!
Letter Crafts
I have been asked about the return of our ever popular Letter of The Week craft that was published most Mondays. It will be returning next month until then browse our uppercase and lowercase crafts or for an easy alphabetically organized collection and 5 exclusive (never been or to be published on the blog) crafts check out my Alphabet Crafts eBook!
great idea!!! your so resourceful 🙂
oh thats a fab idea…. thats my evening sorted making some of those!!
Do you recommend teaching uppercase before lowercase or both at the same time? My 2 year old recognizes all the uppercase letters. Should I teach her lowercase now? Do you have a recommended method for that? 🙂
I’m totally making a placemat!
I would go ahead and teach her lowercase – books like “Chicka Chicka Boom Boom” use lowercase. It’s important for kids to know their lowercase for reading , if she is 2 there is no rush but there is no reason not to expose her either.
Great idea – and I love the shirt he’s wearing!!!
Neat idea! Hey are you in Texas? Love the shirt. =)
No but we visit – my husband grew up in Texas so we are longhorn fans 😉
Great idea! Thanks for sharing!
Cute! I’ve never thought of using paper towels-brillant!
What a great idea! All three of mine love to trace their names, but hate to sit and eat – maybe this will help!
What a great idea, this would be wonderful with site words in kindergarden and/or 1st grade.
We love this. We’ll be featuring it on our DIY Literacy Projects. Stop by and visit us at grab our “featured” button when you do. Thanks for sharing.
Ok, dumb question – what type of marker should be used on the contact paper (I’m assuming it wipes clean?)? dry erase??
Washable crayola is what we have been using- with a little water it wipes clean.
Great idea! I teach kindergarten and am constantly looking for ideas to differentiate language arts! This gave me more ideas on how to expand on this, thank you.