Hobbies And Interests
Location Game
Use locations beginning with letters of the alphabet. The first clue could send treasure hunters to a bowl of apples while the treasure could be under a stuffed zebra or be tickets to the zoo. The easiest method is to walk around the house and locate items or areas which begin with each letter before you begin because once you have made that list the process of writing and hiding the clues will be much faster.
Short Hunt
For a shorter hunt, use only vowels or the letters which begin the names of favorite friends and family members. Children may not have the attention span for an extended hunt and you will need to consider your child's limits so as not to frustrate them. This option works well as a last-minute activity for rainy days or younger children. To add complexity, write the final clue in alphabet magnets on the refrigerator and scramble the letters for older children.
Exploring an Area
Anne Lynch, also known as Mrs. Alphabet, suggests using the letters of the alphabet not to find a particular treasure but primarily as a guide to exploring a new area such as a classroom. Consider using this option to introduce the child to a new house or playgroup as a way to reduce anxiety about an unfamiliar situation or guide the curiosity of a more confident child.
Solve the Puzzle
Use crossword puzzles or word searches as clues. Write word lists for each letter so that all of the answers in the first puzzle begin with the letter A and after the children solve the puzzle, tell them which answer was the clue. You can then continue through the alphabet or select only beginning letters of words which fit a particular theme. Templates for both crossword puzzles and word searches are available on the Internet and create the puzzle from your word lists.