As parents everywhere have started their search for activities to keep their kids busy, Apex is here to help you entertain your kids with this fun and travel-friendly ABC activity. Perfect for a rainy day, long car rides, or a long waiting line at the grocery store, this craft has limitless potential as your children explore the wonders of the alphabet with this creative and colorful learning bin! 

*Parental supervision is required for this craft.

The fun is just a few supplies away:

Gather your items and find a workspace to start crafting: 

  • Clear craft or toolbox (purchase one with individual compartments [at least 30 spaces] that are preferably removable)  
  • Decorative items to personalize the box (colorful tape, glitter pens, paint markers, etc.) 
  • Adhesive magnetic sheets (you can find these at Amazon or your local craft store) 
  • White cardstock
  • Pen or colored pens
  • Scissors 
  • Mini popsicle sticks 
  • Fine tip Sharpie marker/pen 
  • Mini cookie sheet or tin lid (check Amazon or your local baking/craft store) 
  • Plastic alphabet letters and numbers (if desired) 
  • Velcro dot sheets
  • Magnetic clip 
  • Hot glue
  • 3/8” x 1/16“ disc magnets 

 

Instructions:  

  1. Begin by placing your craft/toolbox over the back of your magnetic sheet and tracing it with a pen or pencil.
  2. Make sure to cut inside the line you traced to ensure your magnetic sheet will fit snugly inside your box.
  3. Remove the compartments from inside your box and place your pre-measured magnetic sheet inside the box accordingly.
  4. If your compartments are not removable, you will need to measure each individual square and cut out individual pieces from your magnetic sheet. 
  5. Once complete, place a small amount of hot glue on the edges of the compartments and secure it to the magnetic sheet within your box. 
  6. Take your mini cookie sheet or tin lid and place velcro dots/strips on the back at each of the four corners. 
  7. Following this step, place the same pattern of velcro on your plastic box lid to affix your tray to for storage and travel purposes. 
  8. This allows for easy removal when desired. 
  9. Next, write out the entire alphabet from A to Z on your cardstock and cut each letter out individually. 
  10. Place a small dab of hot glue on each paper letter and place it inside each compartment in alphabetical order. This will identify each individual compartment accordingly. If you choose to use numbers as well, place them after your alphabet. 
  11. Lay out each letter of your plastic alphabet as well as 26 corresponding disc magnets.
  12. Place a dab of hot glue on each disc magnet, and affix it to the back of each letter.
  13. Allow the pieces to dry fully.
  14. Take a stack of popsicle sticks and begin writing words, leaving out one letter, allowing your child to “fill in the blank.” Remember to draw a line under where the missing letter is to appear (easy words like cat, dog, bat, and mat are ideal as they fit nicely on the sticks).
  15. Place a dab of hot glue on the back of one disc magnet per popsicle stick and affix securely.
  16. Your ABC learning bin is now ready for the park, road trips, or anywhere else your summer takes you!
  17. Let your child explore the wonders of the alphabet by showing them how to take a popsicle stick and pin it to the mini cookie sheet attached to the back of the box lid. 
  18. Your child can then proceed to take the letter they think completes the word, either placing it before or after the popsicle stick accordingly. 
  19. Remind your child to return each letter as they use it to its respective slot. 

School Is Out But Apex Is Always In

The journey to learning does not stop when the last bell of the school year rings. So whether you are getting a head start on teaching your little ones the alphabet or you want to reinforce what they learned this past school year, this DIY learning bin is the perfect travel activity that leaves the mess at home. Discover this craft and hundreds more like it, plus magnetic news, hacks, and much more at our blog. Show us your finished craft on our Facebook page, or get help along the way by contacting our expert and friendly staff online or by calling 1-304-257-1193.