Sensory play supports language development, cognitive growth, fine and gross motor skills, problem-solving skills, and social interaction. This type of play aids in developing and enhancing memory. It is great for calming an anxious or frustrated child. Make these (cheap) squishy sensory bags to place on the light table and reap the benefits of all these. This…
Literacy
Kinetic Sand Letter Molds – Literacy at the Sensory Table
Sensory play is a sensational way to learn letters. If you aren’t familiar with it, kinetic sand is an interesting substance. It runs through little fingers like a thick liquid but holds a shape when compressed. Using these kinetic sand letter molds to add an educational twist is a great way to reinforce letter familiarity…
Word Builders on the Light Table
Students just “light up” when they get to use this word builders station on the light table. The contrast of light and shadow and the soft glow through the translucent materials are captivating for children of any age. Naturally, adding some letters and hands-on work makes this center a “bright” choice! Materials Transparent letter tiles…
Alphabet Matching – Sensory Play Center
Young children need LOTS of exposure to letters in order to master the alphabet. They begin learning the alphabet by recognizing the first letter of their names and then move on to other letter knowledge. Skilled teachers understand that acquiring letter knowledge is a lengthy developmental process for most children; they need multiple, creative, and…
Nursery Rhyme Interactive Bulletin Board
Hickory dickory dock, This bulletin board really rocks, It’s learning fun for everyone Hickory dickory dock. Nursery Rhyme Bulletin Board Bulletin boards don’t have to be “display only!” This interactive bulletin board covers number matching, counting, telling time, rhyming and reading and doesn’t need to take up even an inch of precious floor space! And,…
Customizable Name Practice Activities
What’s in a name? The very first word children desire to read and write is the one that is the most important to them – their own name! These printable name practice activities are geared especially for little learners to do just that. Easy to Customize Teachers often don’t have much time. These name practice…
Halloween Writing Trays
These Halloween Writing Trays are so fun, it’s scary! Here are a few easy variations on this budget-friendly spooky letter center! pictured above: black sand, pumpkin erasers, witchy finger What you will need: shallow trays or cookie sheets (We repurposed some wooden packaging from some bead sets). Even shoebox lids will work! clothespins base…
Easy Do-It-Yourself Name Activities for Preschoolers
Children’s names are usually the first written words that they learn. From a very early age, they may be able to recognize their first letter and will often announce, “Look! There’s my E!” We can support children’s literacy development by using their interest in this most important word as a springboard for other letter learning. Most…
10 Hands-On ways to practice the Alphabet
One of the main goals of preschool literacy instruction is to teach young children the alphabet. For some children, this comes very easily and naturally but for many others, it takes a lot of time, energy, and practice. It is tempting to think that sit-down practice with paper and pencil is the best way for our…
Easy Name Practice Worksheets
One of the most important things that we can teach our young children is how to write their names. It makes life SO much easier if children can write them when they enter kindergarten, so that the teacher will know which paper/picture/book/project belongs to which kid. We practice every day in preschool, but making customized…