Back to school season is in full swing, which means exciting learning milestones are quickly approaching for little ones. Kids entering preschool, pre-k, kindergarten, and first grade will have one milestone in common this year- perfecting their literacy skills. That's where phonics and a few fun crafts come in handy to reinforce the work that their rockstar teachers will be doing to get them up to speed on all things reading and writing.  

We always want to keep things fresh and fun with our KMM kiddos, whether they are freely expressing themselves or learning a new skill, so we've gathered three crafts that can easily be turned into phonics activities.

Top Benefits of Phonics Activities At Home

Practice Makes Perfect 

It's no surprise that littles respond well to routine, and learning is no different. So complimenting what they are taught in school with craft activities that make them forget they are even learning is a great way to get them in the habit of practicing new skills.

Promotes Patience

Getting kids to sit still long enough to learn a new skill is a task itself; phonics comes in and promotes focus through engaging ways for kids to identify letters and numbers while learning to read and write.  

Expands Imagination

You should know that we're all about imagination here, which is why we're big fans of how phonics improves it. The more exposed they are to new places, people, and things, the more they can visualize and describe the world around them.

DIY Hungry Monsters Game

Who doesn't love a game with monsters? This fun phonics DIY features the My First Letters and Numbers Kit that includes 36 cards with various letters, numbers, and objects for littles to learn. As for the game itself, once the little monster is created, kids can play multiple games with learning goals that include number recognition, letter recognition, and counting by feeding the monster to achieve the intended goal.

Supplies Needed:

• My First Letters And Numbers Kit

• Cardboard Box

• Scissors

• Washable Paint Set

• Paintbrush

• Hot Glue Gun

Find the step-by-step instructions and game ideas here.

DIY Watercolor Letters and Numbers Activity

For the color crazy kiddo who loves to paint, this craft will be the perfect activity to add in some phonics. Like the monster feeding game, kids can practice letters and numbers, but through painting, or for kindergarteners, you can step it up a notch and add in some math or bigger words. All you need is a few simple supplies that will encourage hours of learning.

Supplies Needed:

• Wondrous Watercolor Kit
• Crayon Library

Find the step-by-step instructions for the activity here.

DIY Alphabet Bracelet Craft Activity

Learn a classic knot technique while playing around with the many letters in the alphabet to create bracelets for names, affirming words, or maybe even something special for their teacher. This is an excellent activity for first graders tackling more spelling and defining their style creatively.

Supplies Needed:

• Alphabet Charm Jewelry Kit
• Scissors

Find the step-by-step instructions for the activity here.

With every new school year, it's important to find different ways to keep kids inspired as they explore new skills that might be challenging at first. Phonics opens up many opportunities to learn with less pressure and fun at the forefront.