Account
Contact
Search 
Letter Knowledge

ABC Caterpillar: A Letter Recognition Activity

Is there any better way to learn the alphabet than with a cute ABC caterpillar? This adorable activity promotes letter recognition.

ABC Caterpillar - a letter recognition activity for preschoolers from All About Reading

Is there any better way to learn the alphabet than with a cute ABC caterpillar? This adorable activity promotes letter recognition and builds pre-reading skills.

Young boy building ABC caterpillar

As your child inches his way through the alphabet with this colorful caterpillar, he can practice recognizing letters, matching uppercase and lowercase letters, and placing letters in a-b-c order. Older children can even spell simple words! Our free download includes caterpillar letter cutouts so that your child can build the alphabet with uppercase and lowercase letters. We’ve also included lots of ideas for creative (and educational!) alphabet play.

ABC Caterpillar activity download three-page spread

Instructions for the ABC Caterpillar

  1. Download and print a set of ABC caterpillar letters.
  2. Cut out your caterpillar pieces and laminate for added durability.
  3. Play!

Playing with Your ABC Caterpillar

Beginning with the caterpillar’s face, your child can build his own caterpillar, starting with A, then B, and continuing through the alphabet.

Working on uppercase letters? Build your caterpillar with the uppercase letters.

Preschooler building ABC caterpillar

Ready for lowercase? Use a set of lowercase letters.

Preschooler building ABC caterpillar

Use the ABC Caterpillar to Explore the Alphabet

Create an A-Z caterpillar using an entire set of letters. Or use both sets of letters and match lowercase and uppercase letters.

Preschooler matching letters

Have your child spell his name …

Young boy spelling name

… or have an older child create some simple words.

Preschooler spelling 'cat'

No matter your child’s age or skill level, there are lots of ways you can use this activity to reinforce your child’s knowledge of letters and the alphabet!

Do you have a favorite alphabet-building activity to use with your preschooler? Share in the comments below!

If your child enjoyed this activity, why don’t you try our other letter recognition activities, too?

About the author

Marie Rippel

Marie Rippel, curriculum developer of the award-winning All About Reading and All About Spelling programs, is known for taking the struggle out of both teaching and learning. Marie is an Orton-Gillingham practitioner, sought-after speaker, and member of the International Dyslexia Association. When not writing or teaching, Marie can be found riding her Icelandic horses.

Comments

No comments yet. Our team reads and replies to every one.

Leave a reply