Peg the letter match
A simple letter recognition and fine motor workout using household items!
Grab a paper plate and some pegs for an easy alphabet matching activity. Just write letters around the edge of a plate and again on the pegs, then invite your child to match them up by clipping the correct peg onto each letter.
It’s a great way to support early literacy, strengthen fine motor skills, and build independence - all while using items you probably already have at home!
You can adapt the difficulty by doing upper/lowercase matching, focusing on just a few letters, phonics or...
Materials
Prep
Step 1:
Write different letters (A–Z or a subset) spaced around the edge of a paper plate.
Step 2:
Write the same letters on the ends of the pegs.
Step 3:
Mix up the pegs and lay them out for your child to match.
Play
Step 1:
Show your child how to match and clip a peg with a letter to the matching one on the plate.
Step 2:
Let them try independently or with your help as needed.
Step 3:
Say the letters out loud or make the sounds as you go to build phonics awareness.
Step 4:
Mix and repeat with new letters or add variations.
Extend
Upper and lowercase: Write uppercase letters on the plate and lowercase on the pegs for a matching challenge.
Name match: Write letters from your child’s name and use them to spell it out.
Colour code: Add coloured dots for a second level of matching (letter + colour).
Number version: Swap letters for numbers to practise counting or sequencing.
Decorate the plate: Let them colour or sticker the plate before playing for extra creative fun.
