How to Make Letters and Numbers From Sandpaper

Make educational cards using sandpaper.

Flash cards made with sandpaper letters and numbers are tools you can use with multisensory teaching methods on young children. Tactile letters and numbers feature rough textures. With these letters, teachers and parents can educate young children and children with disabilities such as dyslexia, with an alternative method of memorizing numbers and the alphabet. You can make your own letter and number cards in a few steps using inexpensive supplies.

Things You'll Need

• Letter and number stencils
• Package fine sandpaper
• Heavy-duty scissors
• Self-healing mat (optional)
• Craft knife (optional)
• Three colors cardstock
• Rubber cement

Instructions

1. Place the letter and number stencils onto sheets of fine sandpaper, and trace the letters and numbers using a pencil. Look for stencils that measure less than three inches wide and four inches long so they fit on a 4-by-6-inch card. Use a combination of upper case and lower case letters and numbers.

2. Cut the letters and numbers from the sandpaper using heavy-duty scissors. Avoid using high-quality scissors of any kind, as the rough sandpaper will ruin them. As an alternative, place the sandpaper onto a self-healing mat and cut out each letter and number using a craft knife.

3. Measure and cut the cardstock into pieces measuring 4-by-6-inches long using a craft knife on the mat. You will need 26 cards for the upper case letters and cards for as many numbers as you plan to make. Cut another 26 cards to make lower case letters as well, if desired. Use a combination of colors to separate numbers, consonants and vowels.

4. Brush rubber cement onto the back of each letter, and press the letter onto the center of each card. Hold in place with your fingers for a few seconds until the glue adheres. Repeat this for all of your letters and numbers.

Tips & Warnings

• Have children run their fingers over the textured letters and numbers to provide visual, auditory and tactile ways of learning the alphabet.

• Use caution when cutting with a craft knife.

References

• ABC Jesus Loves Me: Sandpaper Letters & Numbers
• Dyslexia Online Magazine: Using Multisensory Teaching Methods