Make Way for Ducklings ABC Activity

Wow, did you know that the beloved and classic book, Make Way for Ducklings was published 75 years ago?  It makes my heart smile to think of all the generations of kids who have gotten to enjoy this wonderful treasure.  Today, some of my blogging colleagues have gotten together to share some creative activities to compliment the book.  I’m sharing a wet and playful ABC activity that your children will love.

Make Way for Ducklings

Full Disclosure:  Penguin Young Readers Group sent me a copy of the book to review.  All opinions expressed are my own.  This post also contains affiliate links.

The Book

I was giddy with excitement when I received the 75th Anniversary edition of Make Way for Ducklings by Robert McCloskey.  The anniversary edition includes a hardcover book, an audio CD, and a beautiful poster of Boston created by Paul O. Zelinsky.

If you aren’t familiar with this winning Caldecott medal story, let me give you a sneak peek.  The Mallards are looking for the perfect spot in Boston to lay their eggs and start a family.  With a little help from Michael the policeman, the growing family eventually ends up in the Public Garden where they follow boats and eat peanuts.

The anniversary edition would be a perfect gift to give at a baby shower or to commemorate a birthday.

The Activity

We created an alphabet activity to help little ones match lowercase and uppercase letters.  They can also practice letters sounds.

Preparing the ABC Activity

Materials needed: big rubber duck,little rubber ducks, yellow foam sheets, permanent marker, scissors, water table or plastic tub, and water

On the bottom of each little rubber duck write a lowercase letter that your child needs to practice.

Cut the yellow foam into small squares or rectangles.  Write the corresponding uppercase letters on the foam pieces.

Fill a water table or large plastic container with water and place the ducks inside.

You are ready to play!

Playing the ABC Activity

Tell the kids to select one foam piece and name the uppercase letter.  Place the letter on the big duck (mother).  The kids should then select a little duck and see if they can make a match with the letter on the mother duck.  If a match is made, the little duck can ride on the mother duck.  Have the kids take the duck match for a swim.  They can quack the letter sound on their trip around the water table.

My kids also liked floating the letter foam pieces in the water and letting the corresponding duck sit on each one.

The ducks have gotten lots of extra attention in our house.  In fact, my son just took a 30-minute shower with them performing a duck rescue mission.  That was after giving them all a bubble bath in the sink.

Check out some more fun ideas to compliment Make Way for Ducklings.

Make Way for Ducklings Book Activity for Preschoolers | Sunny Day Family

Make Way for Ducklings Busy Bag | Craftulate

Catch a Duckling Fine Motor Skills Game | Learning Toy Guide

What Ducks Eat: How to Make Healthy Homemade Duck Feed | Playground Parkbench