Letter D Activities for Preschoolers (Fun & Free Printables)

When my son was in preschool, his favorite lessons were the playful ones, especially alphabet crafts.

These letter D activities became a simple way to practice early literacy while making things he already loved, like dinosaurs and dogs.

Whether kids are tracing, crafting, or exploring a sensory bin, they’ll start to recognize the letter D in a way that feels natural and fun.

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How to Teach the Letter D to Preschoolers

Teaching the letter D works best when preschoolers can connect it to playful activities and practice with free alphabet worksheets.

Start simple with flashcards for uppercase and lowercase D, then add multi-sensory options like tracing in sand, molding playdough, or creating a dog or dinosaur craft.

Pairing these with stories about ducks, dragons, or donuts helps kids recognize the letter D in everyday words.

Letter D Worksheets

Bring the letter D to life with simple worksheets and creative printables that preschoolers and kindergartners can enjoy at home or in the classroom. These activities mix tracing, coloring, and hands-on fun to make letter recognition stick.

• Letter D coloring page – A printable featuring six fun images starting with “D” to help kids practice letter recognition.
• Dinosaur tracing worksheet – Strengthen fine motor skills and reinforce the letter D with this free printable tracing activity.
• D is for dinosaur handprint template – A creative craft that connects letter learning with sensory fun.

Hands-On Letter D Activities

Kids remember letters best when they can touch, move, and create with them. These activities give preschoolers plenty of chances to build, craft, and play while naturally practicing the alphabet.

D is for Dinosaur Activities

Perfect for preschoolers who love dinosaurs, these activities build letter recognition while engaging creativity and fine motor skills.

• Dinosaur Puppet Craft – A paper bag and some scrap cardstock quickly turn into a dinosaur puppet. My son loved using his to stomp around the living room while practicing the “D” sound.
• Dinosaur Ice Dig Excavation – Freeze a few toy dinosaurs in cups of water overnight, then let kids chip away at the ice. It’s part sensory play, part science experiment, and always a hit when they “rescue” the dinos.
• DIY Dinosaur Eggs – Hide miniature dinosaurs inside homemade eggs made of flour, water, and baking soda. Breaking them open feels like a real discovery and adds an exciting twist to letter D learning.
• Printable Dinosaur Bingo – This simple bingo game mixes fun and letter practice. Kids get excited to shout “Bingo!” while spotting familiar dinosaur names that all start with D.
• Dinosaur Pencil Holder Craft – Recycle a can or toilet paper roll into a colorful dinosaur pencil holder. It’s practical, creative, and a fun reminder of the letter D on the desk every day.
• Dinosaur Sensory Bin – Fill a bin with sand, rocks, and toy dinosaurs for a mini prehistoric world. My son would spend ages burying and unearthing dinos, all while naturally reinforcing the D sound.

You and your little ones will love our dinosaur alphabet worksheets, designed to make learning letters engaging and creative!

D is for Dog Activities

Dogs are a fun and familiar way for kids to practice the letter D. These simple crafts and worksheets work well for quiet afternoons or as part of a letter-of-the-week plan.

• Paper Plate Dog Craft – With some paint and a paper plate, preschoolers can make their own dog face. It’s quick, easy, and always gets a smile when they hold it up and bark out the “D” sound.
• Pug Paper Bag Puppet – Cut, glue, and color this free printable template to turn a plain paper bag into a playful pug puppet. Kids love acting out silly dog stories while practicing the letter D.
• Life Cycle of a Dog Worksheet – This printable combines early science with literacy. A simple way to blend early science with literacy practice.

More Letter D-Themed Activities

There are plenty of ways to explore the letter D beyond dinosaurs and dogs. These crafts and games mix sensory play, early science, and fine motor practice to keep preschoolers engaged.

• D is for Dirt – Kids love getting messy with this edible dirt cup. Chocolate pudding, crushed Oreos, and gummy worms make a tasty sensory activity while reinforcing the D sound.
• D is for Dragon – Cardboard tubes and tissue paper flames turn into a fire-breathing dragon. My son loved puffing through the tube to make the “fire” blow out.
• D is for Duck Handprint Craft – Trace little hands onto paper and transform them into ducks. It’s a sweet keepsake that doubles as fine motor practice.
• D is for Dominoes – Pull out a set of dominoes to work on counting, number recognition, and simple patterns, all while talking about the letter D.
• Coffee Filter Dragon Fly – A splash of watercolor or markers on coffee filters creates bright wings, and a spoon makes the body. Kids are always amazed at how quickly a dragonfly comes together.
• Daffodil Flower Craft – Use a printable template or cupcake liners to build cheerful yellow daffodils. It’s a gentle way to connect nature and the letter D.
• D is for Donkey Worksheet – This worksheet introduces the donkey through tracing and coloring. It’s simple, but a good chance to hear and repeat the D sound.
• D is for Dot Craft – Give kids dot stickers or paint daubers and let them build the letter D. It’s low-prep, fun, and sneaks in hand-eye coordination practice.

Letter D Books for Preschoolers

Reading stories is one of the easiest ways to connect learning with fun. I like pairing a quick read-aloud with a craft or worksheet so the alphabet practice feels effortless.

How to Catch a Dinosaur – This playful tale had my son giggling as he imagined clever ways to trap a dinosaur. It’s adventurous, silly, and a guaranteed hit with preschoolers who love dinos.

The Donkey Egg – Full of humor and surprise, this story kept us both guessing the first time we read it. Kids love the idea of a “donkey egg,” and the illustrations make it extra engaging.

Dogs Sticker Activity Book – If your child is a dog lover, this interactive book is perfect. Mine enjoyed sorting through the stickers and learning about different breeds, which made reading feel hands-on.

These stories work beautifully for quiet time, bedtime, or as a fun break between alphabet crafts and worksheets.

Last Updated on 18 August 2025 by Clare Brown