Alphabet Blocks
From Preschool Play
Alphabet blocks with just one letter on each block are a great toy to have for
your preschool child. You'll find she can learn a great deal through playing
with them, especially with you. Not only can she become the architect of great
buildings, roads or skyscrapers (which are fun to knock down), but building
can also help budding coordination skills. When you work with your child, ask
her to hand you blocks by using the name of the letter on them. As she picks
up blocks, ask her to tell you the name of each block, also. Before beginning
to build, help put the blocks into sequence in a long row beginning with Aa.
Then say or sing the ABC song 2 or 3 times as you touch each one. This will
help her to learn to recognize each letter as she plays with the blocks. You
can also talk about the shapes of each letter. Point out those lower case
letters that have tails that hang down or tall sticks that reach up. Don't forget to
talk about the sizes of the boxes as you play.
This will help increase your
child's vocabulary as you choose big, little, middle size, bigger, smaller, large,
tiny, etc. blocks. Once she knows the letter's names and sounds, you can
begin to spell out simple words placing the boxes next to each other in what
can be humorous configurations.
MATERIALS NEEDED:
26 boxes with tops. Any size will work--all the same or different sizes
White wrapping paper (not tissue) or newsprint paper
White glue
ACTIVITY STEPS:
1. Cut the paper to the right size to cover each box.
2. Spread glue on the edges of the box so the paper will stick smoothly to all
sides as you wrap the box.
3. Print an alphabet letter, either capital or lower case or both, on the boxes.
4. Let kids build with their new alphabet blocks.
About the Author:
Preschool Play is a daily newsletter that features fun, educational activities for
parents to do with their 3-5 year old children. Get your free subscription today.
Visit http://www.preschoolplay.com or email preschoolplay@mchsi.com.
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