Rip Strip

This might be the easiest letter game there is, and toddlers love it because they're allowed to rip paper. You write letters down a long strip of paper. Your child tears between them, one letter per piece, then names or finds the letters they've torn off.

What you need

• A long strip of paper, about 2 inches wide (cut from printer paper, or use receipt or adding-machine paper)

• A thick marker

• A small basket or bowl to collect the letters

How to do it

1. Write the strip. Write big letters down the strip, leaving a finger's width between each. Start with lots of Bs mixed with a few letters your child already knows, like A and the first letter of their name.

2. Show the rip. Pinch the paper with both hands, thumbs close together, right between two letters. Pull one hand toward you and one away. That's the rip!

3. Rip and say. Each time a letter comes off, say its name and sound together: "B! /b/ /b/ /b/."

4. Find the B's. Once the strip is all torn, spread out the pieces and have your child find every B. Put them in a pile and count them.

5. Play again. Make a new strip with the letters of your child's name, then put the torn pieces back in order.

Why ripping matters

Tearing paper looks simple, but it's real hand work. To tear, your child has to use both hands at once, each doing a different job, while pinching with the thumb and fingers. That same pinch and two-hand teamwork is what they'll need later to hold a pencil, use scissors and button a coat. Ripping is often easier than cutting for two- and three-year-olds, so it's a great step before scissors.

Tips from our table

• If the strip is hard to tear, snip a tiny notch at each spot to get the rip started.

• Don't worry about neat tears. Crooked is fine.

• Save the pieces in an envelope. You can play "find the letter" again tomorrow.

Shop these items

Everything mentioned in this post, in one place. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

• Adding-machine paper rolls

• Crayola washable markers

• Small woven baskets

• Shop everything for Week 2: Apples

• Starter supplies: the basics we use most weeks

• See every week in our Amazon storefront

More for this week: see all our Apple activities, Letter B activities and Number 2 activities.

Every child is different. Please use your own judgment about what's safe and right for your family. Always supervise children during activities and while eating, and adjust foods for allergies, dietary needs and your child's age and chewing ability. Sprocket & Sprout shares these ideas for fun and learning only. We are not responsible for any injury, allergic reaction, damage or mess that may result from trying them. This post may contain affiliate links; if you buy through them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.