1-2-3 Come Do Some Letter Activities With Me

Every year I had at least 3 or more kiddos that consistantly reversed the letters b and d.  Most of the other children, at one time or another, had also been a bit confused with these similar-looking letters; many had to pause and think about which was which, before they wrote.

Because of that, I taught b and d together when we worked on letter of the week.  All they needed was a little tip or trick that they could remember and the confusion ended.  With that in mind I designed a jumbo Taking the Confusion Out Of b & d packet. 

I'm beyond relieved that it's done, as it took a zillion hours of research and work. 

Like most of my projects, I started out designing a "few posters" and things morphed into so much more; a few hours turned into an entire week! 

I really hope you find it beneficial.  I know in my heart that your kiddos will enjoy the projects.

I truly believe the more you immerse children in a variety of engaging letter activities, the easier it is for them to learn, as well as differentiate.

The packet is chock full of  a huge variety of all sorts of different, interesting and fun activities: worksheets, games, posters, tips, craftivities, graphs, assessments, stories, songs, emergent readers, puzzles; and even a maze, Venn diagram, some graphic organizers and a nursery rhyme thrown in!

Select what’s appropriate for your kiddos to use for: table top lessons, homework, partner play, games, a sub folder, early finishers, assessing, or centers. 

Many completed activities make awesome bulletin board displays as well.  

I think I’ve stuffed just about everything you’ll ever need, for helping students to differentiate between the lowercase letters b and d, with plenty left over to use for your individual letter of the day/week activities.

Whether it’s a “bat and ball”, “bunny and dog”, “drum and stick”, “dish and spoon”, “handy hands”, “bulldog”, “baby b & daddy D”, a “closed and open mouth”, “Here’s looking at you”, or a “doorknob and door”, one will click for your kiddos, and I’ve included all of them in this packet.  

To help further reinforce the memory tactic,  for every tip-trick, there’s a poster, as well as matching worksheets and activities.

So that you can reinforce more than one standard, math skills like counting, adding, subtracting, greater & less than, as well as graphing, shapes andtally marks, are all incorporated in some of the activities and worksheets.

Because the world is not made up entirely of “Times New Roman”, a variety of fun fonts are incorporated  as well.  

I have so many "favorites" in this packet, but one of the things I really enjoyed dreaming up, was the silly "b is for bubble gum" and "d is for Doofus the dog" stories. I hope they make you smile.

To conserve paper and ink, I also designed many of the worksheets with two, even 3 on a page.  Click on the link to pop on over to my TpT shop, and arm yourself with an arsenal of creative and fun ways, to end the confusion of b & d.  

Because the initial packet got so big, my husband thought I should divide it into two, not an easy task, but worth doing.  The best deal is to buy the "Bundle" which includes both packets and is a whopping 294 pages long!  You save $4 by doing this, as it's just $9.95.

As always, I have some FREEBIES for you too.  I selected my 7 original tip posters, for taking the confusion out of b & d and included those in a mini packet.  Click on the link to grab it.

I introduce "Pinch & Pokes" as well as "Rip & Tears", in the jumbo b & d packet as well.  They are a great way to strengthen finger and hand muscles, so important in pre-writing.  My Y5's and kinders absolutely LOVED doing them!

Completed R & T's make awesome bulletin board displays too.  Click on the link to get your FREE 34-page upper and lowercase letter packet and let the muscle building begin.  

That's it for today.  Thanks for stopping by.  I have a zillion "I want to make this" piles on my desk, so it's time to get down to business. 

However, the summer sunshine is calling me, via the beautiful breeze coming through my office window; so perhaps a walk with Chloe, my poodle pup, might come first.  Is summer going way too fast for anyone else out there?

1-2-3 Come Do Some Alphabet Activities With Me

Woo hoo!  I just finished another alphabet-themed packet.  This one features alphabet wheels, and is chock full of activities, worksheets, assessments, games, goodies and fun!

It's a whopping 190 pages long!  I never set out to create anything more than 20-30 pages, but then I get on a roll, and one thing leads to another, 'til I finally have to say that's it, and endeavor to turn the creative juices off.

I'm relieved to get it done, as the "Turn While You Learn" picture wheels, nearly drove me insane.

Lots of tweaking to get the layout just right, so that the letter, as well as the matching picture would show up in the middle of the appropriate window.

I have 3 FREEBIES from the packet that I'm offering in this blog, as I tell you a bit about my latest labor of love. 

Alphabet wheels are that "something different" that will get your kiddos excited about learning to recognize letters.  The wheels have been around in some form since the 70's, when I made my first one in college for a methods class.

They are a super-fun way to whole group or individually assess a variety of alphabet standards. I've designed my alphabet wheels so that your kiddos can practice uppercase letters or lowercase letters by using an apple "pointer" that's attached to the center of the wheel. 

They can also match the lowercase letter to the uppercase letter using two wheels.  Finally, children can match a picture to a lower or uppercase letter, to practice letter sounds, as well as words that begin with that letter.

Make a "triple wheel" by combining all of the wheels, so you can practice all three alphabet skills.

There are 5 large picture wheels all with different pictures to better increase vocabulary and letter-to-word association.  (Color plus black & white).

I've included directions for whole group assessing with the alphabet wheels, an assessment recording sheet, plus a note home to parents, enlisting their help for a struggling child.

Besides these items, the packet also includes the following:

An Alphabet Poster Game, with 20-template options, including pictures (black & white + color), words, uppercase letters and lowercase letters.

• A large Uppercase Letter Wheel
• A large “Trace & Write” Uppercase Letter Wheel
• A large blank wheel, so students can write their own letters, and/or draw their own pictures, along with 7 lowercase wheels to choose from, including a lowercase one that is scrambled and not in alphabetical order, which is great for assessing. They all have matching “Trace & Write” worksheets.

There's an alphabet recording-sheet bookmark, 2 “Trace & Write” letter worksheets, and 4 “I Spy A Letter” game worksheets. (Great for whole-group assessing) Includes an assessment recording chart.

I designed the "I Spy" worksheets so that you can reuse them 6 times!

As a different way to practice, which strengthens finger muscles and improves dexterity, I designed a Clothespin clip apple center/station activity/game. Click on the link for this FREEBIE.

Since my kinders studied letters through November, I've also included a clothespin clip pumpkin game as well. Click on the link for FREEBIE #2.

As promised, the 3rd FREEBIE is a set of apple alphabet cards. 

There are 3 full-color sets: uppercase, lowercase, & both (Aa), with a 4-page tip list of how to use the cards. Includes a blank (black and white) template, so students can make their own, as well as the "Kaboom" game.

There are 3 other games as well:

The “Spin & Win Wheel Fun” game, is an independent-worksheet, that uses a paperclip and a pencil to make a spinner.  It's a "no-prep" print and go activity.

“The Wheel Deal” Wagon wheel worksheet game, is played 4 times with various partners.

The “Wheeler Dealer What’s the Word?” game, is played in teams and reinforces letter recognition, beginning sounds, sight words and spelling. 

It includes 182-pocket chart word cards that match all of the pictures for all of the wheels.

Finally, there are bookmarks, certificates of praise, and award ribbons, to use as incentives or "paper prizes" for the games or whatever. Click on the link to pop on over to my TpT shop to take a look. 

That's it for today.  I hope you can pop by tomorrow for more goodies and another FREEBIE. It's a gorgeous sunshine-filled morning.

The birds are singing a serenade and the bulldozer next door is adding to the summer symphony.  Wishing you a beautiful day.

"Rest is not idleness, and to lie sometimes on the grass under trees on a summer's day, listening to the murmur of the water, or watching the clouds float across the sky, is by no means a waste of time. " -John Lubbock

1-2-3 Come Countdown To Christmas With Me

One of the things that I realized rather quickly, during the 10 years that I taught Y5's, was that younger children don't have a real good grasp of time.  To help my kiddos with this, I did all sorts of calendar activities, so that they could visulalize the passage of time.

Counting down the days of each month, was extremely helpful.  For holiday months, this was especially nice, because it dispensed with the "When is?" questions.  "When is vacation, the party, fieldtrip..." or other special activities that they were looking forward to.

With that in mind, I decided to design a bunch of countdown to Christmas activities. These are simple, quick and easy, so you can choose several.  They are fun independent activities that children can work on a few minutes each day, freeing you up to work one-on-one with students.  

Each month I displayed a different countdown paper chain from the ceiling.  I chose 2 to 3 different colors (appropriate for that month) to make the links out of, so we could review colors as well as patterning. 

You can make the countdown to Christmas gingerbread paper chain craftivity for your class, or have students each make their own, to take home for more practice.  I used white puffy paint (for frosting) and a plaid ribbon bow for extra pizzazz. 

"You Can Count On Santa" is another fun visual for your students. 

As with the gingerbread craft, you can simply make one for your classroom for calendar time, or run off copies for students to make one of their own. 

Using a glue dot, children add a cotton ball to fill in Santa's beard.  This is not my original idea, although I've been doing it long before the Internet.  I love drawing Santa, and hope you like my version. 

Since the Elf On A Shelf story has become a super-fun classroom management tool, I decided to make an elf-themed countdown craftivity as well. 

As students countdown to Christmas, they trace and write the numbers and then color each section of the elf's stockings in an ABAB pattern.  I added flat-backed jewels and mini pom poms for that finishing touch. 

Since jewels are an especially "big deal" to little ones, you can use them as an incentive:  Stay focused and complete your work and earn a bit of dazzle for your countdown elf. 

1-2-3 Countdown To Christmas Alphabetically,  is one of my favorites. 

It's an alphabet booklet.  Students trace and write the letters, as well as the Christmas-themed words. 

They color the letter and picture, then write another word that also begins with that letter.  There are so many options for Christmas-related words, you can easily request that the extra words also need to be about Christmas.

Starting December 1st, have students complete one letter.  Since there are only 25 days 'til Christmas, remind students to complete letters Y and Z on the last day.

For more alphabet reinforcement, the packet also includes 10 worksheets, to help practice writing upper and lowercase letters, putting words in alphabetical order, skip counting the 24 days 'til Christmas by 2's, as well as practicing writing numbers to 31 (The number of days in the month.)

The worksheet in the photo, asks students "What Lowercase Letter Is Missing?"  There are also two "I Spy" game worksheets. 

Click on the link to view/download the Countdown to Christmas Alphabet packet.

Since my Y5's needed lots of scissor practice, I designed two countdown activities, where students snip off the days 'til Christmas. 

The "Trim the Tree" scissor-snipping countdown craftivity, is my own idea, however, cutting off Santa's beard, was an idea I found dozens of versions of, on Pinterest. 

I felt that Santa still needed a beard for his Christmas Eve adventures, so I revamped the concept, and designed a "Snipit Santa."  

Both the Christmas tree and Santa, when completely trimmed, make cute paper ornaments or gift tags.

Click on the link to view/download the Let's Trim the Tree & Santa's Beard Christmas countdown - scissor practice craftivities.

Finally, if you're just looking for something super-simple for your little ones to do, as a countdown activity, click on the link for some Countdown To Christmas Coloring Pages.

I've included a cute gingerbread house cover, for a Christmas countdown file folder, so students can keep all of their countdown activities in one place.

I'd include one that they can color, one they use a bingo dauber on (dotting the days away), one they can earn stickers for, plus a scissor snipping option.  These worksheets only take a few minutes, and because kiddos can work independently, you are freed up to work one-on-one with students.

That's it for today.  I hope you found something here that you can use to help your students understand the concept of time passing.

My grama Lydia used to say that the older she got the more quickly time passed.  Now that I'm enjoying my "golden years" I find that to be truer than true.  Wishing you a peaceful, savor-each-moment kind of day.

"How did it get so late so soon? It's night before it's afternoon. December is here before it's June. My goodness how the time has flewn. How did it get so late so soon?" -Dr. Seuss

1-2-3 Come Do Some Alphabet Activities With Me

Lorraine, over in Texas, has 3 cats.  Her love for them spills over into her preschool classroom, as she has a cat theme going on.  Pete the Cat stories are some of her favorites.  She also collects the seasonal alphabet cards I design, using them in her ABC center. Mrs. K wondered if I had time to make some alphabet cards with cats. 

Since I was already putzing with the "Cool Cat"  packets, it was perfect timing! Do you decorate your room with a cat-theme?  Do your kiddos enjoy Pete the Cat stories?  If so, I think you'll like this alpha cat packet.

The packet includes separate upper and lowercase letters that are purr-fect for Memory Match and "I Have; Who Has?" games. 

There's also a set of cards with both the upper and lowercase letter on them.  Cut them up to make puzzles, or run off a set for each student.  They color, trim, collate and add a cover to make an Itty Bitty ABC booklet.

The packet also includes an upper and lowercase letter assessment mat, recording sheets, plus matching upper to lowercase letter worksheets. 

For easy printing, there are 2 different worksheets on a page.  Simply cut them in half to use for table top lessons, morning work, something for your sub folder, or for "early finishers" to work on.  Send them home with struggling students for extra practice, or as homework if your district requires that.

I've also included 2 trace and write the letter worksheets. (One for uppercase letters, the other for lowercase.)  There's a 3-page tip list of ideas for using the cards, plus a Kaboom game as well.

Click on the link to view/download the Alpha Cat packet.  Thanks for visiting today. 

I'm off to a huge "It's all about kids" consignment sale.  With 4 wonderful grandsons and a baby girl on the way, I'll be in search of "pinkalicious" stuff, toys, books and whatever else I just have to have...  Hope your day is as exciting. 

"Think less. Do more." -Unknown

1-2-3 Come Do Some Apple Alphabet Activities With Me

If you've been following the various blog articles for "apple week" you know that I've covered apple art, apple science, and apple math.  (Simply scroll down to grab all of those FREEBIES in the articles that follow.) It seemed only fitting to design some Apple Alphabet Activities... Wow! Try to say that alliterative tongue twister three times.  Any hoo, you've come to the right place if you're looking for some apple-themed activities that help students practice their alphabet skills.  

You've probably seen all the wonderful clothespin matching games all over Pinterest.  They were my inspiration for this upper and lowercase letter apple game. 

Whenever I design something, I make samples, so that I not only have a photo of what a completed project looks like, but as a way to jot down specific steps, so you can easily follow my directions.  Making something, also irons out any kinks I may run across that I can share, so things run smoothly for you. 

The big one here is to clip your clothespins onto the apple BEFORE you  write the letters on the tips.  I learned that the hard way.  Because my Y5's are just learning letters, they are easily confused when the thing they are matching doesn't look exactly like the mate. 

By clipping the clothespins first, you are able to write the letters in the proper direction.  As you can see by the photo, sometimes the letter needs to be written vertically on the clothespin, other times horizontally  You also won't have any letters appearing upside down when a child clips them. 

Here's another TIP: When I got the uppercase set done, I thought it would be a good idea to write the lowercase letters on the back, so that there were several ways to play the alphabet apple game (uppercase to lowercase, as well as lowercase to lowercase etc.)  So that children aren't confused, write the uppercase letters using a different color permanent marker, than the lowercase letters. 

This will be easy for students to sort, and see which side they should be using for whatever game you want them to practice.  Click on the link to view/download the wonderful fine motor skill game: apple alphabet clothespins.

While I was making the numbered apples from 1-100, in yesterday's article, it was easy to use that same template to make apple alphabet cards.  (I really like when things match!) There's a set that shows the upper and lowercase letters on each apple, as well as a set with just the uppercase letters, and another for the lowercase letters. 

Use them as a border, flashcards, and for a variety of games.  I've included a tip list of ideas.  Click on the link to view/download the apple alphabet cards.

I've had quite a few requests for simple alphabet worksheets.  Some teachers need them for an option for early finishers, or their sub folder, while lots of visitors need them for "homework!"  It amazes me that some schools make homework mandatory for such a young age.   The caramel apple coloring worksheet has been very popular as a fun home-school connection. 

To reinforce the 3 colors of apples, students color the uppercase letter A's red, the lowercase a's yellow and the rest of the apples green.   Click on the link to view/download a copy of the caramel apple coloring activity.

The "I spy" an apple letter on the apple tree, is a quick and easy way to whole group assess upper or lowercase letters in a fun way.  Teacher starts the game by calling out a letter. Children search for that "apple" on their paper, and then trace it.  When they are done they raise their hand. 

You can see at a glance who is having difficulty.  Play continues 'til all of the letters have been traced.  Students can play this game again at home, by coloring the "spied" letters.  They can play it a 3rd time, by X-ing out the letters. Click on the link to view/download the Apple Tree I Spy game.

Finally, for a variety of other apple-themed activities and games, including ones involving the alphabet, click on the link for a 33-page Apple Activities packet.

Thanks for visiting today.  I hope you found something useful here, to help get your kiddos excited about learning.  Just a reminder, if you're looking for an activity that I don't have, feel free to e-mail me at diane@teachwithme.com  Some of the things I design are special requests, and I'm glad to help out.

I'm off to meet a friend for lunch.  Will be nice to catch up and share our excitement over teaching.  I hope you have a lovely day too.

"What we want is to see the child in pursuit of knowledge, and not knowledge in pursuit of the child." - George Bernard Shaw

1-2-3 Come Play Some Alphabet Games With Me

I designed these cards to go along with the FREE ABC Zoo Booklet that I posted yesterday. (Scroll down to the next blog article to have a look or click on the link for the item.) Whenever I did a theme with my Y5's I really tried to find or make matching things.  I'm not sure if that's the perfectionist or artist in me. 

Any hoo, I thought you might like a few matching things to supplement your lessons too, so I once again used the adorable clip art of djinkers.  She's one of my favorite artists and I simply fell in love with her cute critters.

These alphabet cards, can be found in my whopping 200-page Wild About the Alphabet packet in my TpT shop.  For a limited time, the cards will be FREE (all this week), simply click on the word FREE.

Use the cards as a border or for flashcards. They are also great for games like Memory Match or "I Have; Who Has?"   Students can match uppercase cards to lowercase ones or they can match the word card with the picture card.  Have them find all three to complete a puzzle. 

One of my favorite games that I played with my Y5's was "What's Missing?"  I'd gather my kiddos in a circle and lay 4 small seasonal items in the center, then point to each one and we'd say the name together.  They then closed their eyes and I'd take one away.  To make sure there was no "peeking cheating" I held a paper plate or some sort of cover over the items, then reached under and took one.

"Open your eyes!"  I'd whisper and they'd try to figure out what I took away. To strengthen their memories, I'd continue to add up to 7 items for them to look at.  To reinforce standards, you could do this with shapes, numbers or these ABC cards.

Make things a bit more interesting, by giving the missing card to the person who calls out the correct answer first, then add another card and continue to play 'til you've used all of the letters.  For more ideas, and games, such as "Kaboom" , take a look at the 4-page list of tips that are also included in the packet.

I've also included a black and white set of cards, so your kiddos can make an Itty Bitty alphabet booklet to color, cut and collate, then take home and share with their family. (Great  home-school connection and fun way to reinforce lessons.)

Mix up the word cards and have students put them in alphabetical order, then post them on a mini-word wall, or pass them out and then flash an uppercase letter card. 

Whomever is holding the matching word card holds it up and reads it.  Afterwards, as a writing extension, have students use their word card in a sentence.  There's a "No Lion About It" worksheet for that in the packet as well.

 For letter-writing practice, there are plenty of upper, as well as lowercase "trace and write" worksheets, along with 20+ other fun worksheets to reinforce letter recognition, formation, as well as word sounds. I hope you like the packet as much as I enjoyed designing it. Wild About the Alphabet

Thanks for visiting today.  As always, feel free to PIN away.  Do you have an alphabet game you could share with us?  I'd really enjoy hearing from you.  You can contact me at dianehen@teachwithme.com  or leave a comment below. 

It gets rather lonely on this side of the computer screen.  I often wonder what people think when they read my blogs, and if what I design truly helps make someone's life easier and more fun.  Blessings to you and yours.

"I love acting, but it's much more fun to take the kids to the zoo." -Nicole Kidman