Letter Recognition Candy Cane Game

Candy Cane Letter Game

These candy cane letters can add a fun Christmas twist to alphabet games. Sometimes a different look can make a familiar activity new again. Use these letters as letter recognition practice candy cane game. Or play matching games with the letters.

You can play a number of letter recognition games with this printable set of candy cane letters.

letter recognition games with candy canes

Candy House Letter Matching Game

This matching game can be played by one or more children at the same time. For this game, you will need a workspace in addition to the candy cane letters.

Creating the Work Space
Cut a house shape of cardboard or poster board. Use construction paper to create windows, a door, and any other details. Cut circles of construction paper and print letters on the circles, on letter per circle. Use the circles to “decorate” your candy house. Place the letters in alphabetical order for an easier game or mix the letter order for more challenge. (Use tape or glue to attach the circles. Or, to make the game changeable, use Velcro dots.)

letter recognition games for preschool

Playing the Letter Matching Game
Invite a child to select a candy cane and say the letter name. Then, the child can find the same letter on the house and place the candy cane on the matching circle or beside it. Continue until your children match the letter on each of the candy canes to the letter on each of the colored circles.

candy cane letter game for pre-k

Find the Letter

Hide all or some of the candy cane alphabet letters around the room. You can decide if you want a small section of candy cane to peek out of its hiding spot. Invite your children to search the room to find each of the letters. For an extra challenge, tell children they need to find the letters in alphabetical order.

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Line Up the Letters

Invite children to place the the letters in alphabetical order on the floor or a very long table. They can name the letters as they lay them in place.

candy cane letters in a red bucket for game

Find the Missing Letter

Create a line of several alphabet candy canes in alphabetical order. Remove a few of the letters and mix them in a bowl or on a tray. Invite your children put the missing letters into their spots in the alphabet line.

Spell Words

For older children, print simple words (3-4 letters) or children’s names on paper. Invite children to find the appropriate letters and lay them under the word in order. Say each letter in the name or word. (Note: If you are using children’s names, you may need to make multiples of some letters so you will have what you need to spell names.)

Candy Cane Letters

Your children can have holiday-themed literacy fun with these letters! What other games could you create with these letters? Let us know in the comments.

large gingerbread house with letters on it

BIO: Deirdre is the author of JDaniel4’s Mom where she shares other learning activities, printables, crafts, and food creations. She loves growing and learning beside her son. You can find her on Pinterest, Facebook, and Instagram.

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