Learning to read and write is a huge milestone in a child's life. Learning the letters is one of the first crucial steps when learning how to read. Developing these foundational skills lays the groundwork for future reading and writing success.
Understanding Letter Sounds
Letter sounds are the building blocks of language. Every word is made up of sounds, or phonemes. When student learn letter sounds, they can decode written words. Teaching letter sounds helps children develop the necessary skills to blend sounds together, leading to fluent reading. There are so many ways to introduce and practice these skills.
Students learn letter-sound relationships gradually, starting with the most commonly used letters. These letters are typically M and S. I strongly suggest using visual aids, such as alphabet charts and flashcards. Also provide students with a guide word, like snake, to remember the letter sound.
It is essential to incorporate hands-on activities that appeal to different learning styles. For example, use tactile materials like sandpaper letters or magnetic letters. Students need to practice these new concepts in a variety of ways.
Mastering Letter Formation
Letter formation is simply writing each letter correctly. I have seen a major decline in letter formation since the pandemic. Developing good handwriting skills is crucial as it helps children express themselves effectively in written form.
Some phonics programs believe in teaching letters grouped upon how students form each letter. For example, teaching m and n together because they are so similar. Letter formation practice helps children develop visual perception and fine motor skills. I love using activities like tracing letters, building letters with other objects, or using shaving cream to write letters.
Practice makes perfect! Encourage regular practice to reinforce letter formation and letter sound knowledge. I love using my Letter Intervention Unit, found here at my TpT store. But I am working on a fun and engaging resource this summer. These fun Letter Activity Books are so cute and simple to use.
Students practice letter formation, letter identification, uppercase vs. lowercase letters, and letter sounds. I love the simplicity of these activities and they make for great independent work.
I hope you love these activity books just as much as me! You can grab a freebie of the Letter C below. Or check out all of the Letter Activity Books at my TpT store.
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