Letter Sounds & Sweets

This week we are learning a lot about letter sounds.  Some of the activities that we have completed include using blue boards (plastic plates purchased at The Dollar Tree) and dry erase markers to sound out words and use them to begin to write sentences.

We also used m&ms to find a letter or a sound.  You could use any edible treat like marshmallows, gum drops, and goldfish crackers.  You can find this ABC chart here.

Then we used a treat to find where they hear a particular sound either at the beginning, middle or end of a word.  For example, this smartie found the Xx sound at the end of the word.  

I used Deanna Jump's Stretchy the Snake from this packet.

Stay warm!  We have been inside with no recess for the past week!  

Alpha Friends

One of the most frequent questions I get from parents is how can I help my child at home with learning letters and sounds.  Our school recently adopted a new reading curriculum called Journeys from Houghton Mifflin Harcourt and one of the great features of this program is "Alpha Friends."  Students learn about characters who are associated with each letter and sound.  Use this video to practice at home.

Parents can also print this sheet that has all the characters and letters.  When they recite the sheet, they should say the letter name, the picture, and then the sound.  It should sound like this, "a, apple, aaaa."  Students can also cut them apart and use as flashcards.  Click here to get a copy.

Daily Lesson Materials

This is where I put the materials for the day. These bins are located right next to my teacher chair.