How to Choose, Print and Use Alphabet Coloring Pages

I’m still working on my alphabet printables for the next few weeks. But since I’ve been getting a lot of questions about where to find alphabet coloring pages, I thought I’d share some tips with you today.

There are a number of different sites that offer alphabet coloring pages, and each one is a little bit different. So here’s what you need to know when choosing which site to use.

Individual Letters or the Entire Alphabet

1. Decide if you want individual letters or the entire alphabet in one download.

Some sites offer individual letters (or letter collections), while others offer the entire alphabet as one download. It really depends on your needs. If you’re just looking for a small selection of letters, then individual letters might be more manageable. And if you’re using them for a classroom activity, it might be easier to have all of the letters together in one file so you can quickly print off an entire set. But if you’re doing something like matching uppercase and lowercase letters, then you’ll probably need individual downloads anyway.

Mr Printables offers both options — either a full set of 26 letters, or individual downloads of each letter. ABCmouse also offers both options — the full set available so far or individual letter pages.

Letter Forms and Illustrated Sheets

2. Decide if you want large uppercase and lowercase forms, illustrated sheets, or bubble/block letters.

The purpose of the alphabet coloring pages will determine how you choose this. For example, if you’re using the pages to examine the shapes of the letters, you’ll want the large uppercase and lowercase forms. If you’re using the pages for activities involving pictures (like searching for things that start with the featured letter), then you’ll probably want the illustrated sheets. And if you’re simply wanting to color the letter itself, then you’ll probably prefer the bubble or block letters.

Mr Printables has the large uppercase and lowercase letters with original illustrations. They also have separate uppercase and lowercase download selections.

A is for Alligator

B is for Bear

ABCmouse has a variety of selections, including:

Animals

Food

Bubble Letters

Fancy Letters

Stripes and Dots

Block Letters

Paper Size and Complete Outlines

3. Check the paper size before printing.

This seems like such a simple thing, but I’ve seen many people overlook this step. Check the intended paper size for the download, and make sure it matches the paper you’re using. If no size is listed, check the page size in the file before printing.

For example, Mr Printables says that their alphabet coloring pages are formatted for standard A4 or US Letter paper. If you’re printing on a different size paper, then you’ll need to adjust accordingly.

Also, check that there are complete outlines on the preview screen and on the first printed sheet. Sometimes the previews look great, but when you actually print them out, they come out missing parts of the design. You want to make sure that the designs are completely outlined before you go ahead and print off multiple copies.

Printing Rights for Home or Classroom Use

4. Clarify the printing rights.

This is a very important point. Some sites allow free downloads, but that doesn’t mean you have blanket permission to print them for group use. Always read the terms and conditions carefully, and if you’re unsure, contact the provider to clarify.

Mr Printables states that their alphabet coloring pages are strictly for personal use. That doesn’t establish permission for classroom copying, and the supplied information doesn’t confirm a classroom license. Check their Terms of Use or contact them to clarify your intended use.

ABCmouse allows free downloads for home or classroom use, so they’re much more flexible than Mr Printables.

Small Selections and Letter Activities

5. Keep it simple and manageable.

If you’re planning on having students color the alphabet, then it might be easiest to have a selection of 5-7 letters at a time. Just pick a small selection, print off the coloring sheets, and let them get busy coloring.

You can also use the opportunity to teach students how to match uppercase and lowercase letters. After they finish coloring, have them match the uppercase and lowercase forms.

And if you’re looking for an optional extension, have them search around the house or the library/bookstore for items that begin with the featured letter.

Sources

• Alphabet Coloring Pages for Kids (100s of Free Printables) | ABCmouse
• Alphabet Coloring Pages | Mr Printables