Multi-Sensory Letters 1

Purpose:  Children learn through every pore of their bodies, and we should be using that knowledge when we teach them.  Being able to experience the letters through their senses and/or movement (having a kinesthetic experience) helps children to remember the letters and how they are formed.  This activity is especially beneficial for children who are ready to form the letters but are having difficulty writing them with crayon or pencil. 

Materials/Advance Preparation:

• sand or salt
• shoe box lid
• letter cards

 

Directions:

1. Pour sand or salt into the lid of a shoe box.

2. Select a letter card and have children draw the letter in the sand.   You might give each child a card with the first letter of his or her own name.  Encourage the children to "erase" their letters and form them again.  The erasability of the sand or salt provides risk-free opportunities for children to practice.

3. If necessary, you can direct a child’s hand for the first few times and then allow the children to practice on their own.

 

Eric Gidseg