Believe it or not, it has been twenty years since Chicka Chicka Boom Boom was first released! It has certainly stood the test of time and helped toddlers and preschoolers learn their letters to the backdrop of bright vivid illustrations and rhythmic language. Check out our Chicka Chicka Boom Boom book activities below to extend letter learning fun!
Chicka Chicka Boom Boom Book
Full Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.
Chicka Chicka Boom Boom is a classic book by Bill Martin Jr. and illustrated by the one and only, Lois Ehlert is a classic book. Follow the letters up the coconut tree and then watch them fall. No need to worry though, the mamas and papas help all the injured letters get back up.
It’s a perfect storytime book filled with bright bold pictures and rhythm and rhyme.
Chicka Chicka Boom Boom Alphabet Activities
Up the Coconut Tree
Materials Needed: white butcher paper, markers, dot stickers
Prepare the Activity: Draw a large coconut tree on butcher paper and write letters on the coconuts (aka the dot stickers.)
Ready to Play: Have the students add letters (aka coconuts) to the tree. Each coconut should be named at is added. You can also reinforce letter sounds. This activity could be done following a read-aloud, during a read-aloud, or while you listen to Chicka Chicka Boom Boom on audio.
Or, try a magnetic version of this activity from Laly Mom.
Letters in Nature
Materials Needed: Any natural outdoor objects that look like letters OR could be made into letters.
Prepare the Activity: No prep needed.
Ready to Play: Get outside and learn. Make letters in nature. Using rocks, sticks, flower petals, etc. create or find letters outside together. Bring the book outside for reference, but don’t worry about creating each letter.
Nifty Names
Materials Needed: Construction paper, scissors, markers, stickers, printable (if needed)
Prepare the Activity: Use the first letter in the child’s name and cut it out of construction paper or use these capital letter printables.
Ready to Play: Let each child decorate it however he or she would like. Keep reinforcing their special letter. For example, “Wow, I love how you drew circles on your letter M!”
These would also be fun to add to a big bulletin board display when the kids are done. Just add a gigantic coconut tree for them to hang on.
Even More Chicka Chicka Boom Boom Activities
For a tray arrangement of a play dough invitation, try this one from Fantastic Fun and Learning.
Kids will love racing to the top of the coconut tree with this fun handmade game from The Many Little Joys.
Snack time can even be alphabet-building time with this tree alphabet snack from Pre-K Pages.
Build letter recognition with this ABC printable Chicka Chicka Boom Boom game.
Place some letters on the bowling pins and this coconut bowling idea would be a huge hit for some outside gross motor learning. It’s a clever idea from Fun-a-Day.
Let the students craft and build letter awareness at the same time with this craft tree from I Heart Crafty Things.
A sensory ABC bin is a perfect open-ended activity for young children. Ruffles and Rainboots shares a quick and easy bin to set up for the kids. Or, try this sand version from Natural Beach Living.
So, grab a copy of Chicka Chicka Boom Boom and let the students have fun exploring the letters of the alphabet.
For more hands-on alphabet fun, check out these ideas—> Alphabet Activities and Games
*Thank you to Katy from Reading Lady Katy for contributing to this post for Growing Book by Book.
michele stitts says
I really enjoy this website and have used many of your book recommendations.
chicka, chicka, boom, boom, is a staple in my classroom and I thought my students would enjoy playing the game you created. I tried multiple times to find then download the game. instead of being able to do that, the site took me to a new tab. it got frustrating and i just stopped. I appreciate all your hard work. it would be best if your links worked on the page that you advertised it. thank you
Jodie Rodriguez says
I’m sorry you were having trouble. Please check your email for the download.
Susie says
How much flour is needed for Chicka coconut banana booms recipe?
Jodie Rodriguez says
No flour needed. 🙂