Graphics by Clips Ahoy
To assist children who are interested in learning their names, I use my computer to print out each child's name in the current writing style used in my state.  I then laminate the sheet so children can practice tracing over their names whenever they wish to.  The photo on the left is a laminated name sheet made for one of the children.  The children use whiteboard markers to trace over their name as these can be easily rubbed off. 

For more name activities, click here
Early Writing and Reading
Lesson Ideas
Kindergarten and preschool children begin developing early literacy skills such as taking an interest in the alphabet, experimental writing, role play reading and so on.  I provide a few different resources to encourage children to develop this interest...

To assist children who are interested in learning their names, I use my computer to print out each child's name in the current writing style used in my state.  I then laminate the sheet so children can practice tracing over their names whenever they wish to.  The photo on the left is a laminated name sheet made for one of the children.  The children use whiteboard markers to trace over their name as these can be easily rubbed off. 

For more name activities, click here
For children interested in learning to write the alphabet, I provide laminated copies of the alphabet and numbers that have been written in the current writing style of the state of Western Australia.  Once again, children are able to trace over these with whiteboard markers.  Or they can copy letters onto a separate sheet of paper.
I provide opportunities for children to practice writing for fun and include samples of children's writing in their portfolios
When children are in the pre-reading stages, they will begin to become more aware of print in the environment.  They will start to recognise signs and logos that they see on a regular basis.  I encourage children to recognise environmental print by printing out familiar signs that they see in the world around them.  It is amazing how many children are able to identify.
If you dont have access to a computer in the classroom so set up old typewriters and electronic calculators for children to explore letters and numbers. 
These cards were photocopied from a book.  I laminated them and placed them on the playdough table.  The children use the cards to create numbers from the dough.  Alphabet cards could be made also
I set up alphabet charts and environmental print charts for children to look at and discuss.  Whiteboard markers are available for children to try tracing over signs or letters
I always have a whiteboard set up with whiteboard markers and magnetic letters.  The children love to practice writing their names on the whiteboard, or experimenting with the magnetic letters.  I also have small desk-sized whiteboards and chalkboards which I make available for the children to use.

I have seen teachers set up a big alphabet book which they have made from white art paper and stapled together.  Each page of the book is a letter of the alphabet.  Children are encouraged to find pictures in magazines and glue them on the appropriate page of the alphabet book eg a picture of a car would go on the C page.

I design charts with the children for different purposes, and sit near them when I'm writing so they see an adult role model using writing.

Provide sand in a large flat tray for children to practise tracing letters or their name with their fingers.  Fingerpaint and shaving foam are also good mediums for this.

Place a large picture or poster on a wall on a weekly basis.  Each day think of words that describe or relate to the picture.  Print these on labels and place them around the picture.  At the end of the week, compile a class story using some of the words about the picture.

Create mini books of a few pages and allow students to "write" stories and draw pictures.  For students who are not yet comfortable with role play writing, encourage them to create the picture and then scribe their story for them.

Create a "Daily News" bulletin board.  Students and their parents (or student and teacher) write out an interesting piece of news onto a "news flash" paper and then pin it to the board.  During sharing time, each student can read their "news flash" e.g. Tom starts piano lessons today.


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Graphics by Clips Ahoy
These are sandpaper letters commonly used in Montessori schools.  Vowels are in blue and consanants are in pink.  The teacher does individual lessons with each student demonstrating how to trace the letter and then talking about the sound that this letter makes.  The teacher then encourages the student to think of words beginning with that sound.  Sand paper letters are always referred to by sound rather than letter name.  When the child has mastered a sound, they move onto a new sound.  When all sounds have been mastered, the teacher provides small ojects or pictures for the child to match to the correct sound.  When this has been mastered, the teacher and child begin working on word building.  Thanks to Leanne Pinel for use of this photo.
Portfolio Activity
Miss G's AussieKindergarten

This page was last updated on: April 18, 2009

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