A hands-on way to build letter and sound skills

Alphabet Apple Orchard is a hands-on letter matching set from Learning Resources that helps children aged 3 and over practise upper and lowercase letter recognition, early phonics and fine motor skills. Children match letters to familiar objects and clip apart two-piece apples to reveal each letter, giving dyslexic learners and children with wider SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) a multisensory, playful way to build the alphabet awareness that many find hardest to learn through worksheets alone.

How it helps

The set includes 26 two-piece apples, 26 letter pieces, an orchard play mat and an activity guide, giving 79 pieces in total. Clipping the apple pieces apart and back together adds a sensory element that strengthens little hands and improves coordination, while matching upper and lowercase letters to familiar objects builds strong alphabet awareness. The set also supports early phonics development, including letter sounds and vocabulary building, through fun, play-based learning.

For schools

• Suitable for Early Years and Reception settings, supporting upper and lowercase letter recognition as part of a phonics programme.
• The clip-apart apples give a sensory, fine motor element that benefits pupils with SEND working on coordination alongside literacy.
• The orchard play mat and activity guide make it easy to run structured small-group or one-to-one sessions.
• A practical, reusable resource for phonics stations, early years continuous provision, or targeted dyslexia support.

For parents and home use

• Gives parents a hands-on way to practise letters and early phonics with their child at home.
• Matching letters to objects, rather than writing them, takes pressure off a dyslexic child while building alphabet awareness.
• Suitable from age 3, making it a useful early step into letter recognition and phonics.
• The clip-apart apples add a satisfying sensory activity that keeps young children engaged during practice.

Supporting dyslexic learners and children with SEND

Dyslexic children often need more repetition and a multisensory approach to build secure letter recognition and letter-sound links. Alphabet Apple Orchard supports this by combining a physical, tactile action, clipping apples apart and matching letters, with the phonics skills of naming letter sounds and building vocabulary. The same hands-on, repeatable structure also benefits children with broader SEND who need extra practice with fine motor skills alongside early literacy.

A simple, reusable resource

Whether used for a five-minute letter matching activity at school or a longer session of hands-on play at home, Alphabet Apple Orchard gives children a consistent, engaging way to build confidence with letters and early phonics.

• 26 two-piece apples that clip apart to reveal matching letters, adding a sensory, fine motor element to letter practice.
• 26 letter pieces support matching upper- and lower-case letters to familiar objects.
• Orchard play mat and activity guide included to structure hands-on learning sessions.
• Supports early phonics development, including letter sounds and vocabulary building.
• 79 pieces in total.
• Suitable for children aged 3 years and over.
• Brand: Learning Resources, item number LER3613.

• Combines letters with a sensory activity. Clipping apart two-piece apples gives dyslexic children a tactile way to practise letter recognition.
• Builds phonics alongside fine motor skills. Matching letters to objects supports letter sounds and vocabulary while strengthening little hands.
• Ready for the classroom or the kitchen table. The play mat and activity guide make structured phonics practice easy at school or at home.
• From a recognised education brand. Learning Resources is a well-established supplier of hands-on learning equipment used widely in UK schools and homes.

What's in the Box

• 26 x Two-piece Apples
• 26 x Letter Pieces
• 1 x Orchard Play Mat
• 1 x Activity Guide

Delivery and Returns

Standard UK delivery applies. See our Delivery and Returns page for full details.

Safety and Age Suitability

Suitable for children aged 3 years and over. Contains small parts and presents a choking hazard; not suitable for children under 3 years.

• What is Alphabet Apple Orchard?
  Alphabet Apple Orchard is a hands-on letter matching set from Learning Resources that helps children practise upper and lowercase letter recognition, phonics and fine motor skills. It is designed for children aged 3 and over and is suitable for both classroom and home use.
• Is Alphabet Apple Orchard suitable for dyslexic children?
  Yes, Alphabet Apple Orchard can support dyslexic children by combining a tactile clip-apart activity with letter matching and phonics practice. This multisensory approach can help build letter and sound recognition more securely than worksheets alone.
• How does Alphabet Apple Orchard support children with SEND?
  Alphabet Apple Orchard supports children with SEND by offering a hands-on, sensory way to practise letter recognition and fine motor skills together. The clip-apart apples and matching activity make repeated practice engaging rather than repetitive.
• Can Alphabet Apple Orchard be used in a classroom setting?
  Yes, Alphabet Apple Orchard is well suited to Early Years and Reception classrooms, phonics stations and small-group SEND sessions. The included play mat and activity guide make it easy to run structured sessions.
• Is Alphabet Apple Orchard suitable for use at home with my child?
  Yes, Alphabet Apple Orchard works well at home, giving parents a hands-on way to practise letters and early phonics with their child. The clip-apart apples add a sensory element that keeps young children engaged.
• What age is Alphabet Apple Orchard suitable for?
  Alphabet Apple Orchard is suitable for children aged 3 years and over. It contains small parts and presents a choking hazard for children under 3.
• What is included in Alphabet Apple Orchard?
  Alphabet Apple Orchard includes 26 two-piece apples, 26 letter pieces, an orchard play mat and an activity guide, making 79 pieces in total.
• Does Alphabet Apple Orchard help with phonics as well as letter recognition?
  Yes, Alphabet Apple Orchard supports early phonics development, including letter sounds and vocabulary building, alongside upper and lowercase letter recognition.