Upper and Lowercase Letter Match Cups: A Simple Alphabet Activity for Toddlers

A Fun & Simple Alphabet Activity Using Plastic Cups

If you’ve ever tried to get a toddler to sit still for traditional letter practice, you know it can feel like herding cats. But turn it into a hands-on matching game with cups? Suddenly, they’re all in. That’s the magic of upper and lowercase letter match cups—an easy, low-prep activity that sneaks in learning while feeling like play.

This is activity #3 in my activities with random household objects series, and it’s a perfect introduction to simple alphabet matching activities. With just plastic cups, craft paper, and a marker, your little one will be matching letters in no time—no worksheets required.

Why This Toddler Alphabet Activity Works

There are plenty of ways to teach letter recognition, but this one stands out because:

• It’s interactive: Matching uppercase and lowercase letters with real objects keeps kids engaged.
• It builds fine motor skills: Lifting, placing, and aligning the cups strengthens those little hand muscles.
• It reinforces letter recognition: Seeing both cases side by side helps kids make connections.
• It’s adaptable: Start with a few letters and increase difficulty as they learn.
• It’s easy to set up and clean up: The ultimate parenting win.

What You Need

• Plastic cups (at least 10-20)
• Brown craft paper
• Marker
• Scissors (optional, for trimming the paper to fit the workspace)
• A toddler who loves a good challenge

How to Set Up Upper and Lowercase Letter Match Cups

1. Trace the Cups on Craft Paper. Lay out a large sheet of brown craft paper and use the top of a plastic cup to trace circles all over it. These will be the spots where your child will match letters.
2. Write Lowercase Letters in Each Circle. Inside each traced circle, write a lowercase letter. Start with a small set of letters if your toddler is new to alphabet matching.
3. Write Uppercase Letters on the Bottom of the Cups. Flip each plastic cup over and write an uppercase letter on the bottom. Make sure the letters match the lowercase ones on the paper.
4. Match the Letters. Have your child pick up each cup and place it over the correct lowercase letter on the paper.
5. Mix It Up and Try Again. Shuffle the cups and let them try again with a different letter set or mix in some new ones.

Fun Ways to Extend the Activity

Once your child gets the hang of the basics, try these variations to keep things exciting:

• Speed Challenge: See how quickly they can match all the letters.
• Sensory Twist: Hide the cups in a bin of dry rice or beans and let them dig for the right letter.
• Letter Sound Game: Instead of calling out a letter, say a word and have them match the cup to the letter that word starts with.
• Pattern Play: Arrange the cups in ABC order once matched.
• Sibling or Parent Challenge: Take turns matching letters to see who gets the most right.

Why Activities Using Plastic Cups Are So Great

Plastic cups are the unsung heroes of kids learning activities. They’re cheap, easy to find, and versatile enough to be used for everything from stacking challenges to letter practice. If you have a stash of plastic cups in your kitchen, you’re basically halfway to an entire toddler curriculum.

More Learning Activities Using Plastic Cups

If this was a hit with your toddler, don’t stop here! Plastic cups are surprisingly versatile when it comes to kids learning activities. Here are four more simple color matching activities and games using plastic cups that we’ll be covering in this series:

1. Pompom Color Match Cups – Draw a plastic cup outline on an index card and add three colored dots using dot markers. Place an empty plastic cup in front of each card and match the colored pompoms to the dots.
2. Cup Towers – Use plastic cups and jumbo craft sticks to build towers. Challenge your child to see how high they can stack them or create different structures.
3. Shrinking Cups – Decorate plastic cups with permanent markers, place them on a baking sheet, and bake at 350 degrees for about five minutes. Watch as they shrink—it’s science happening right before your eyes!
4. Fizzy Art Cups – Cover the bottom of a shallow tray with baking soda. Fill plastic cups with vinegar and food coloring, then use eye droppers to add the colored vinegar to the baking soda for a fizzing masterpiece.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for an activity at home that helps with letter recognition while keeping your toddler engaged, upper and lowercase letter match cups are a must-try. It’s quick to set up, easy to clean up, and sneaks in learning in a way that actually feels fun. Plus, who doesn’t love an activity that gives plastic cups a second life before they inevitably end up as bath toys?

Plastic Cups

Plastic Cups

Black Permanent Markers

Kraft Paper Roll