Bring the /z/ sound to life in your classroom with our playful and hands-on Alphabet Craft Printable Template: Letter Z! This fun phonics craftivity is the perfect way to introduce or consolidate the letter Z and its sound while encouraging creativity and developing fine motor skills.

In this activity, students will create a delightful zebra by building it from the shape of the letter Z. They'll cut, colour, decorate and assemble their very own zebra using the included templates – a fantastic way to link phonics learning with visual, tactile fun. Whether you’re focusing on the alphabet during literacy rotations, phonics time or as part of a letter-of-the-week focus, this craft will keep students engaged and proud of their work.

There’s plenty of room for personalisation too! Students can use crayons, pencils, paint or collage materials to make their zebra extra special. Want to simplify things? Use the budget-friendly black and white version for students to colour in. Want to level up? Add googly eyes, felt or black string for zebra stripes. The possibilities are endless!

Key Learning Outcomes:

• ✅ Recognise and name the letter Z and its sound
• ✅ Build sound-letter connections through multisensory learning
• ✅ Develop fine motor skills through cutting, pasting and crafting
• ✅ Encourage creativity and decision-making during a structured task
• ✅ Build phonics confidence and vocabulary with a hands-on activity

What’s Included:

• Letter Z zebra-themed craft template
• Separate zebra elements for cutting and assembling
• Black & white and colour printing options
• Suggestions for simple and advanced creative extensions

Materials Needed:

• Printed zebra craft templates (choose from colour or B&W)
• Scissors
• Glue sticks
• Optional: coloured pencils, crayons, markers, pom poms, googly eyes, string or felt
• Display board or wall for showcasing finished zebras

How to Use:

1. Introduce the /z/ sound and brainstorm words that start with Z
2. Show students the zebra example and discuss zebra features
3. Students colour, cut and glue the pieces onto the Z base
4. Encourage creative embellishments to personalise their zebra
5. Display the finished zebras on a phonics or alphabet wall

Ideas for Classroom Use:

• 💡 Use as part of a weekly phonics focus on the letter Z
• 💡 Pair with a zebra-themed read-aloud to spark discussion
• 💡 Set up a craft station during literacy rotations for independent work
• 💡 Use completed zebras in a class book or alphabet wall display
• 💡 Let students share their zebra crafts and talk about other Z words they know

Top Teacher Tips:

• 💛 Print on coloured card for extra durability and vibrancy
• 💛 Keep a labelled phonics wall with each completed letter craft for reference
• 💛 Use leftover scraps and embellishments for a fun ‘craft bar’ experience
• 💛 Differentiate by offering pre-cut pieces for younger students who need scissor support

With our Alphabet Craft Printable Template: Letter Z, learning the /z/ sound becomes a memorable and meaningful experience. Watch your students light up as they turn a simple letter into a zebra masterpiece – building phonics confidence one craft at a time!