LETTER CLOTHESLINE
You will need a small clothesline and some snap-type clothespins for
this activity.
String up a small clothesline between two straightbacked
chairs. (Position it near a wall so that it’s not out where
others could run into it.)
Take 10 clothespins and write a different letter on each
clothespin. Place the clothespins on the line.
Cut out sock or shirt shapes from construction paper and
write one of the same letters on each article of clothing. Place
the paper cutouts in a small basket.
Let your children take turns matching the letters on the
clothes to the letters on the clothespins.
Variation: Write capital letters on the clothes and lower case letters
on the clothespins for children who are familiar with the two cases.
FINISH
THE LETTER
On a piece of paper draw partial letters, leaving off small
sections.
Give your child the paper and a pencil and have her finish
the letters.
PLAY DOUGH LETTERS
Give your child some play dough.
Show him how to roll the dough to make long snakes.
Now using the rolled dough, encourage him to create a chosen
letter.
If child is unfamiliar with the letter let him see the letter
written out.
LETTER
MAIL
This is a fun game for one or more children.
Take three small boxes with lids and cut slits in the tops
long enough to accommodate small envelopes.
Tape a card on the top of each box with a large capital letter
written on, each one different.
Now, take 15 small envelopes and write one of the letters
on five envelopes and each of the other letters on five envelopes.
Mix up the envelopes and place them in a bag.
Let your child pretend to be a mail carrier and deliver the
envelopes to the correct mailboxes.
Variation: For older children write capital letters on the boxes and
lower case letters on the envelopes.
SILLY SENTENCES
When studying a letter, have your child create a silly sentence
with each word beginning with the letter. Example: “Silly Sarah
sold silver spoons and shooting stars.”
Write the sentence on the bottom of a piece of paper and
have your child illustrate the sentence.
Place a large letter “S” at the top of the paper.
Variation: Save each paper as your child learns new letters and make
a Silly alphabet book for her to read to others.
LETTER
BASKETS
When introducing a new letter to your child, set out a laundry
basket with a letter card attached to the front.
Help your child find items in your home that begin with the
sound of the featured letter.
ALPHABET BOOK Help your child make their own alphabet book. Fold seven
sheets of paper and staple them together in the middle. Starting
on the second page, draw a line across the middle of each page and
write an alphabet letter at the top of each box. Give the book to
your child and help him find pictures of objects that begin with
each letter. Next, have him tear or cut the pictures from magazines
and glue them onto the appropriate pages. This project will probably
take a week or more to finish. Encourage your child to "read" his
alphabet book to friends and family.
