Alphabet Tree Age: 18 Months - 5 Years (younger ones need more supervision) Time: 10 - 15 min (+ Prep) Theme: Alphabet Books: Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by Bill Martin Jr. & John Archambault, Alphabet City by Stephen Johnson, or just pick your favorite ABC book Materials: Green Construction Paper Toilet Paper Tube(s) Glue Sticks Pre-printed Letters Adults get to use Scissors and Computer/Printer Prep: Cut out Tree leaves out of construction paper. Mine were cut freehand out of 1/6 sheets. (Fold the sheet into 1/3 then cutting along the fold lines to make 3” x 12” strips, then folded these in half to make 3” x 6”. Fold in half again and cut out leaves). To make letters, type out the alphabet (bold, 36pt), copy & paste until the sheet is full, then print & cut out. For the tree trunk, cut 4 slits about ½” deep into the top of the TP tube. Activity: Each child gets 2 pre-cut leaves, an assortment of letters, a glue stick and a TP tube. Glue letters onto the leaves – and the trunk if you want too. Slide each leaf into two of the slits. Play with your tree! Notes/Tips: Encourage older kids to put letters in order or spell out their name or other words with them. If you are up for the mess, paint the TP rolls first then while they are drying glue the letters to the leaves. I first saw a version of this project here: http://www.2care2teach4kids.com/preschool/storyextenders/chickachickaboomboom.htm