It’s been a while since we have done an Alphabet For Starters activity. This is our popular series of alphabet activities that aim to introduce and play with letters in simple ways for beginners. This one was a true “Throw it together” activity. I was on a conference call for the first half sitting on the other side of the table jotting down notes while she played. When I saw what a hit it was I grabbed my camera and started clicking. This combines letter recognition, color mixing and fine motor all in a super simple activity.
- Gather your materials. I have no photo because this wasn’t planned at all but you will need a container for water, an eye dropper, some coffee filters, a plate to protect your table from the running colors, markers and coffee filters. Have multiple coffee filters on hand because kids love this.
- Start by writing letters on the coffee filter.
- Ask your child to find their favorite letter.
I like saying this instead of ” Find f, find r…” because in my experience it leads to them deciding which letter to find next and naturally declaring which letter it is. Drop the water on using the eye dropper and watch it disappear. My daughter LOVED this. ” It’s gone Mama!” 
She made multiple ones and helped me choose which letters to write. - After my call was done I gave her the markers and she made her own letters on some coffee filters.
When kids are learning to write even at the very early stages never say to them ” That’s not a B it’s a scribble, here let me make you a real B.” 
Their writing is a B it’s just in the early stages of development and by encouraging them their development will get there slow and steady as it is meant to.
Alphabet Books
Eating the Alphabet: Fruits & Vegetables from A to Z
The Sleepy Little Alphabet: A Bedtime Story from Alphabet Town 
Miriam says
what a fantastic idea – so cool. I guess it would work on handi towels too. I don’t own a coffee machine thingy that needs filters. Love it!
Jill says
They are so inexpensive. You can easily pick up a pack of 100 or so for $1.00.
Zulia says
So simple and SO much fun! My students are going to love it! Thank you for sharing such a lovely idea.
AJ says
Fabulous idea. Can’t wait to try it. I love that it combines fine motor skills and letter recognition– two skills we’re working on right now. Plus, I already have all the supplies!
Maro's kindergarten says
What a great idea! I have already though of many ways to do this in classroom! Thanks for sharing!
Carrie says
I think this series is just so fantastic! Each activity is simple and engaging. Thank you for continuing to post these. I can’t wait to “play” with my three year old. He is going to LOVE this!
Deborah says
So simple and yet so much fun! You are so creative – I want to be like you when I grow up:)
Malia {Playdough to Plato} says
So, so fun and creative! Sharing on Playdough to Plato’s Facebook page. Thanks Allie!
Karen says
Brilliant! Thank you! My son would love this because it involves water play.
Amanda says
I love this! I need to adapt & try it with my preschoolers!
eunha says
Thank you so much for sharing all these adorable activities for little kids!
kary camacho says
I love this activity! Cant wait to do it with my toddlers! Thanks for sharing!
Ellen says
I am going to adapt this fantastic idea for a preschool sign in. I plan to write each child’s name ( each letter in different color marker) on coffee filters, then cut the letter squares apart. I will put these -spread out on a tray. When the children come in, they have to find the letter squares to make their name, and move them to a second tray, and put them in order. When they have correctly done this, they will say some magic words, and dip a dropper in a bowl of water and drip it on the letters to “disappear” their name. Try “alazam, alakazeer, today I will make my name disappear!”
Jeanine says
Geez, you are such an amazing, super inspiring, genius, smart and talented teacher/mom/blogger. I simply envy your ability to turn almost every book into an activity! In fact, I use your books & activities library/archives, for searching for age appropriate books for my youngest! That’s in top of everything else we use them for. We are so grateful for the dedicated time you put into your blog.
Jill says
Any ideas on crafts or art projects we could do with all of those used filters?
Allison McDonald says
Oh yes – try bunching them in the middle and using a pipe cleaners to turn them into butterflies!