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Writer's pictureSarah Drewicz

Interactive Letter Formation: Hands-On Techniques for Early Learners

Updated: Dec 3, 2023

Interactive letter formations using hands-on techniques will help children understand and write the letters of the alphabet. This article includes several hands-on techniques that are fun for your child, but at the same time, your child is learning how to write letters.


When introducing a letter to a student, I first pull out my magnetic letters and say this is the uppercase and lowercase letters. My article "Early Intervention is Key to a Successful Reader" includes instructions for creating magnetic letters.


Then, I have different ways for them to practice forming the letter before we use a pencil. We can use pipe cleaners, playdough, yarn, craft sticks, or shaving cream. The pictures below present examples of forming the letter C.


Have your child try to form the letter C with pipe cleaners, playdough, yarn, craft sticks, or shaving cream.
Forming the Letter C

Please see the following on how to utilize these materials.

  • When I use shaving cream, I use it on an aluminum pie pan to contain the mess.

  • When using yarn and craft sticks to form letters, depending on the shape of the letter, sometimes you need to use both yarn and craft sticks.

    • In the case of the C, you only need yarn.

    • You would need both for A, which is shown in the image below.

  • You will practice forming the letter with one or two manipulatives depending on the child's needs and age.


Have your child try to form the letter A with pipe cleaners, playdough, yarn, craft sticks, or shaving cream.
Forming the Letter A

Then, I'll have the student write the letter on the table or in the air before picking up a pencil. Taking the time to let the child form the letter gives them practice thinking about the letter. It often helps them to recognize the letter later in stories.


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