Printable A to Z Alphabet QR Code Game for Preschool & Kindergarten!

If you are a subscriber to this blog, you are probably aware that we champion the use of appropriate and integrated technology in ECE.   As we begin a new school year, I wanted a technology center for our kids that we could use throughout the year.  The QR Code Alphabet Games below will not only help introduce your kids to QR Code technology, but they will also allow for mobile technology integration as letters/words are introduced.

Prior to playing the game(s):  Download a QR Code scanning app (links are provided below).

iPhone/iPad QR scanner app by QR CODE CITY available for free download at:  http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/scan/id411206394?mt=8

For Android users, there is an app available by DROIDLA to download at:  https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=la.droid.qr&feature=search_result#?t=W251bGwsMSwyLDEsImxhLmRyb2lkLnFyIl0.

ALPHABET QR CODE GAME – A to Z QR Codes for Alphabet Games

Print the file (linked above) for each student/center/small group.  Cut the individual cards apart (an adult should cut the cards prior to the game as they will not scan correctly if the kids cut through them).

**Note:  The QR codes will scan from the computer screen (open the QR Code document link above) if a printer is not available.

The A to Z QR Code file can be used in several ways.

1).  Have the children scan the code and match the destination URL picture with the picture cards at the end of the file.

2).  Set up an alphabet file (one envelope for each letter A-Z).  Have the children scan the QR Code and “file” in the corresponding lettered envelope.  For younger 3’s, introduce the QR Code Alphabet Cards as each corresponding letter is introduced at home or in the classroom (the pictures in the middle of the QR Codes contain a word that begins with each letter of the alphabet).

In one creative evening, I had a “brilliant” idea to make an alphabet quilt for the kids to file their QR codes.  It WAS a great idea until I duct taped the openings closed to form the quilt.:)  I kept the alphabet quilt, but ended up cutting slits in each of the gallon-sized bags so the kids could insert their QR Codes to the corresponding lettered bags.

3).  The QR Codes are made with pictures in the center of each code that correspond to the destination URL picture.  Younger children can use a magnifying glass and match the QR picture to the picture cards at the end of the file for a no-tech memory game.

 QR codes are sometimes difficult for even adults to scan.  A good scanner helps, but some codes are just not easily scanned.  The codes in the file above were all scanned by our four yr. olds.   It does take some fine motor control to scan codes appropriately.  Given time to play with the scanning app and the QR Codes, the kids learn quickly!

EXTENSION:  I plan to leave our alphabet quilt up for most of the year.  Starting in October, we are asking our parents to send in any QR Codes they find:  in mailers, in advertisements, on packages, etc.  We’ll scan the codes as they come in and add to our quilt.  We hope to have our quilt filled by the end of the year!

If you have any questions about QR Codes or other ways they can be integrated into lessons in the classroom/at home, please leave a comment below.  

For more ideas for use of technology, visit:  Technology for Preschool and Kindergarten