LETTERS MAKE WORDS

The idea of manipulating letters and sounds to make words is a key to beginning reading.

Name Puzzles
Write children’s names on a sentence strip. Cut between the letters. Place the puzzle pieces in an envelope. Write each child’s name and glue their photo to the front of the envelope. Children can practice putting the puzzles together and reading friends’ names.

*Make name puzzles with Unifx cubes.

Cut Up Sentences
Write a simple sentence on a sentence strip. (For example, “We like to read books.”) Place the sentence in a pocket chart and invite the children to read it with you as you move your finger from left to right under the words. Say, “I’m going to cut this sentence up,” as you cut between the words. Place the letters in a paper bag and pretend to shake them up. Let children come up and select a word and place it in the pocket chart. Guide them as they unscramble the words and make the sentence. Call their attention to the capital letter “W.” There’s always a capital letter at the beginning of a sentence. Point out the period and remark, “You’ll always find a period or punctuation at the end of a sentence.”

*Let each child complete the sentence “I like _____.” Have them cut between their words and place them in a bag. Can they put their own sentence back together?


Happy Birthday
Whenever a child has a birthday, you’ll be able to celebrate and learn at the same time with this idea. Write each line of “Happy Birthday” on a sentence strip. Cut between the words. Arrange each line on a pocket chart. The birthday child gets to scramble the words and then friends sing along the silly lyrics. Arrange the words in the correct order and sing again.

Spaceman
Glue the figure of a “spaceman” to a jumbo craft stick. (I found my little guy at google images.) Use spaceman to find spaces on classroom print. Sing the Batman tune as you go, “Da-da-da-da-da-da-da-da Spaceman!” Encourage children to use spaceman when writing.