k-stuff

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Home : 2003 : September : 8

k-stuff
By Rae

If you look at the formal presentation of the alphabet, it really shouldn't even begin to until about six. I think it is wonderful and very respectful of the development of the child to wait until January to begin formal
presentation. In the meantime, many informal activities and experiences can take place. These experiences can include being read to, creating letters in sand, shaving cream, on a lite brite, making them in clay, finding functional print in the environment, letter boxes, letter hunts, etc. Have them create menus for restaurant play, write invitations for birthday parties, create writing

props for the dramatic play area. If you have a lot of informal experiences with letters, you won't even have to present all of them formally.

Some of these children may not be able to write their name, and that is age appropriate. Some of them may not even be able to recognize their name. Many children do not have the fine motor capabilities to create recognizable letters. Other fine motor tasks such as drawing, cutting, sewing, baking, etc may help build their fine motor skills.
Reading and writing letters require binocular vision - which sometime doesn't develop until 6. Before they practice writing their name, I would play name recognition games. Put a piece of velcro on their desk and on the back of their name card. Hide their names in the room and have them fien them. Have them place their names on a HERE column to indicate that are at school to involve them in attendance. Have them create a symbol that means their name. After the children are using their name and recognizing their name - have them begin to notice similarities in names. Ask them to find someone else with the same first letter, etc.

If you would like some info on a book that explains the development and facilitation of literacy, please email me and I'll be happy to help!