“Chicka Chicka Boom Boom” by Bill Martin Jr. and John Archambault is one of the most iconic children’s picture books of all time. This classic story is read every year by preschool and kindergarten teachers and is loved by children around the world. this early literacy Powerhouse is often the inspiration for children learning to recognize letters for the first time.
Today I’m sharing the perfect peer activity inspired by this book chica chica boom boom. It doesn’t take long to assemble this easy DIY magnet alphabet tree, and your kids will love it all year long.
Chicka Chicka Boom Boom Magnetic Alphabet Tree
Start by reading this book chica chica boom boom Read to the class by Bill Martin Jr. and John Archambault. Because this book is so interesting and engaging, you may choose to read it multiple times throughout the week.
Once the children are very familiar with the rhythm, rhyme, and repetition of the story, you can introduce them to the tree.
Give each child in the class a magnetic letter. As each child chooses a letter, you may want to gain support by saying something like, “Look at that! Braden got the letter K! Model how the children should listen as you tell the story about holding the tree. , when they hear the name of the letter they are holding, they can then place it on the tree.
Chicka Chicka Boom Boom Tree Supplies
Here are the supplies you’ll need to make your own Chicka Chicka Boom Boom style magnet alphabet tree.
- Metal cans (any metal can will work for this project – vegetable and fruit cans, formula cans, coffee cans…)
- magnetic letters (If you are worried that these letters are too small, you can purchase larger letters)
- tape
- Fake fern (dollar store or craft store)
- contact paper
- Scissors
How to Make a Chicka Chicka Boom Boom Tree
To make your tree, you’ll first need to tape the metal cans together; plumbing tape or packing tape works great for this purpose.
Next, unfold the contact paper, measure and cut the paper to the appropriate size.
Then, carefully peel the backing away from the contact paper and gently roll the “tree” onto the sticky paper.
Once you’ve successfully covered your tree with contact paper, you’ll want to smooth the paper out to eliminate any bubbles or wrinkles. Now, use a knife to make a hole in the top of the lid and insert the fake fern. If you wish, you can secure the lid with hot glue and the fern with floral foam or hot glue.
Get printable
There is another Printable Record Sheet Freebie This activity is designed to provide visual discrimination practice for your students. Students will use bingo dot markers to mark the magnetic letters they place on the tree. As they look for and find letters on paper that match the letters in their hands, they are practicing visual discrimination skills.
More literacy ideas from the Preschool page
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