This activity helps children recognize the letters of the alphabet, become familiar with the sounds each letter makes, and identify where in the alphabet the letter falls.
Learning Area(s): Reading and Writing
MATERIALS
- A strip of paper with the uppercase alphabet written on it, or download and print the alphabet arc (available through the Download Resources link)
- Letter magnets, uppercase plastic letter tiles, or uppercase letters cut out of index cards
- Bag that your child cannot see through
LET'S PLAY
Beginning with uppercase alphabet letters, show your child the strip of paper with the alphabet written on it. Together, sing the alphabet song and point to each letter as you sing.
Give your child a bag of uppercase alphabet letters and say, “Today, we are going to match the letters in this bag to the letters on the alphabet strip. I want you to close your eyes, reach in the bag, and see what letter you pull out. No peeking!”
Name each letter and have your child place them on the letter strip, either on top of or above the matching letter.
As your child is working to match each letter, ask some questions such as:
- “What is the first letter in your name?”
- “Can you point to that letter?”
- “What is another word that begins with the same sound as your name?”
- “What is your favorite letter of the alphabet?”
- “Can you point to that letter?”
- “What is a word that begins with that letter?”
TIPS
- You can start with including only letters in your child’s name in the bag since these are the most meaningful letters to a child. Have your child match letters in the bag to a name card with his first name written on it in uppercase letters.
- Once children are familiar with uppercase letters, a lowercase letter strip and lowercase letter magnets/tiles can be used.
- If the entire alphabet on one strip is overwhelming for your child, it can be broken down into segments; for example, A-H, I-P, Q-Z.
AGE GROUP(S):
- 4 years old
- 5 years old
DOWNLOAD RESOURCES
ACTIVIDAD DE LENGUAJE DUAL