A Multi-Sensory Approach to Pre-Reading and Pre-Writing Skills
In the toddler years, children usually learn the alphabet song, which helps them learn the names of the letters in order. They learn numbers by memorizing the names of numbers and may even begin counting using their fingers. However when we get into the preschool and kindergarten years, we need to move into teaching pre-writing and pre-reading skills such as drawing straight and curved lines, letter/number recognition and phonological awareness.
Some great hands-on activities that can help reinforce pre-reading skills are:
Using letter and number magnets on a whiteboard, refrigerator, cookie sheet or any magnetic surface you can find! These small metal lunch boxes are the perfect size to take your activity on the go. You can add letter, number or word cards that your kiddos have to match the magnets to. For a little extra fun use these cute magnetic clips to hold the cards in place.
Any type of dough can be used to form letters and numbers. Try using play dough mats to get your littles molding and shaping!
You can use any flexible material like pipe cleaners, sensory stretchy strings and snake toys.
Digging for letters and numbers in a bin full of rice or sand and sorting them into cups labeled accordingly is also a great multi-sensory activity.
Some sturdier items that can be used to create letters and numbers are Lego, blocks, craft sticks, and paper straws. As a bonus, use translucent material such as Shapemags magnetic tiles on a light table for extra sensory input.
For pre-writing skills:
Use different writing tools like crayons, pencils, markers, chalk, paint brushes or even Q-tips to help kiddos to work on their grasp and control.
Use different types of paper, like copy, cardstock or construction paper, or even glitter paper for added tactile input.
Tracing sandpaper letters and numbers helps kids remember how to write shapes by giving that extra sensory boost with their texture.
Other ways to get additional tactile input with pre-writing activities are by using:
bubble wrap, plastic canvas and sensory bags to write on.
If you’re ok with messy activities (a favorite in my house), have the kiddos write in sensory trays full of finger-paint, shaving cream, sand or rice.
Finally, I think adding in some gross motor activities, help to round out learning by having the kiddos get up and move!
Creating letters with their bodies is always lots of fun! Find a video on YouTube or print out a chart, whichever is your preference.
Play modified versions of hopscotch or floor is lava by having the kids jump to different letters or numbers.
Have the kids go on a scavenger hunt to find letters and numbers in your house or even at the grocery store. Have them bring each item to a specific location or add it to the shopping cart before looking for the next item.
Create a new take on Twister by using a washable marker to write letters and numbers on the colors.
Set up a modified bowling game with foam blocks and a small ball. These knobby balls are great! Have the kiddos “bowl” a letter or number.
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