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Digging for Letters
The fundamental step to learning how to read is the ability to recognize letters and the associated sounds. Young children can learn literacy (the ability to speak, listen, read, and write) in many ways. Enhance language skills through sensory play by searching for letters in sand.
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- Tray
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- Sand
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- Letters – If you don’t have letters at home, you can go on a scavenger hunt for 26 rocks with your child and draw the letters on the rocks.
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- Small Shovel (Optional)
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1. Place letters in a tray and pour sand over.
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2. Provide your child with a small shovel and encourage them to start digging for letters!
Numeracy variation; use numbers instead of letters and get counting.
Allow your child to explore the materials inside the sand tray. Engage in conversation by asking questions, for example, “I wonder what we can find hiding in the sand?”. As your child pulls out a letter, you can say, “You found the letter B – it sounds like bbb – like the word BIG”. Sounding out letters and using them in words will help boost sound awareness which will help your child become a better reader in the future.
EarlyON