3D Letter Art Projects

These 3D letter art projects are a great introduction activity for preschoolers to learn their names. Focusing on just the first letter in their name builds students’ engagement and excitement over “their” letter.

Introducing letters in a meaningful way is an important part of emergent literacy. Teaching the letters in a child’s name is one of the most impactful ways to do so.

How-To Create a 3D Letter Art Project

The beauty behind any art project in a preschool classroom is the ability to use it beyond just having something to make and take. When creating this project, students are introduced to the first letter in their name and gain exposure to the first letter of friends’ names.

Supplies Needed:

• Paper maché letters from the craft supply store
• Acrylic paint
• Plastic paint palette or paper plate
• Paint brushes
• Covering for work space

Step-by-Step

1. Introduce each student’s initial during circle time. Make the sound of the letter and make connections to other words students know that begin with that sound.
2. Prepare the work area by laying down a covering on a flat surface. Allow student to choose up to 4 colors to use on their projects and put a little bit of each color on their palettes.
3. Review the proper use of art supplies – paint only goes on the project, no materials in their mouths, etc.
4. Students begin to paint their letter. There aren’t really any “rules” for what pattern or colors to paint when doing process art. The process is the project.
5. Stand letters up vertically to dry fully before hanging or sending home. These make a great classroom decoration, especially mounted above student cubbies. They can also be sent home for families to see the wonderful ways their child is using art to learn their name.

Incorporating Standards with a Purpose

As with any project, it is essential to consider what standards are being addressed. And while these 3D Letter Art projects are a ton of fun and can spruce up any decor, they also offer a variety of opportunities to learn.

• Literacy – identifying and recognizing letters
• Fine motor practice – gripping the paintbrush, moving paint from the palette to the letter
• Color recognition – identifying colors to use, matching colors from the palette to the project
• Sense of self – time to create and function with independence, indentifying letters of their name

Students love this creative process art with their special letter, whether displayed in the classroom or sent home to enjoy!