the abc box

The bean has been SO into letters lately.  We have been reading to him regularly since he was a teeny tiny bean, so he has always loved books and reading.  But recently, he has taken an interest in the letters that make up the words in his books.  He has started trying to spell out words that he sees in books and on signs while we are out and about.  Even though he doesn't really know all the letters yet, he will point to words and just say random letters.  It's the cutest thing ever.  And while I'm not in a rush to teach him his abc's before he is developmentally ready, I definitely want to take advantage of this interest that he has developed by incorporating letters into our everyday play.  Enter the ABC Box.

Nothing fancy here.  Just an empty wipes box filled with an assortment of items that start with our letter of the day.  We focus on a different letter each day and I just gather a few toys and objects that start with that letter.  I also include that letter from our tactile alphabet set and the corresponding letter from a set of foam letters that we have.  Each morning after breakfast and bath, we sit down together and explore the box.  I show him the letter, tell him what it is, and tell him what sound it makes.  Then, I just let him play with the items in the box.  I also use a couple of alphabet-themed books that we have to show him other examples of the letter.  Right now, we are just working our way in order through the alphabet.  I figure once we have gone all the way through, maybe we will do a Number Box or Color Box.  Or I may just start over with A and use different objects the next time around.  I really want to play it by ear and follow the bean's lead based on what he's showing an interest in.

The verdict?  So far the bean LOVES it!  And, it seems to be working.  He can identify letters A-H and O (he knew that one on his own before we even started using the ABC Box).  He gets so excited to see what's in the box each morning.  And he comes back to the box and plays with the items throughout the day.  He also likes to show off what's in his box when dad gets home from work.  The hubby is loving it, too.  He comes home from work each day and asks the bean, "What's the letter of the day?  What's in the box?"  It's pretty adorable.  And the project cost me $0.00 to do!  Free, fun, educational...love it!