Interactive letter formations using hands-on techniques will help children understand and write the letters of the alphabet. This article includes several hands-on techniques that are fun for your child, but at the same time, your child is learning how to write letters.
When introducing a letter to a student, I first pull out my magnetic letters and say this is the uppercase and lowercase letters. My article "Early Intervention is Key to a Successful Reader" includes instructions for creating magnetic letters.
Then, I have different ways for them to practice forming the letter before we use a pencil. We can use pipe cleaners, playdough, yarn, craft sticks, or shaving cream. The pictures below present examples of forming the letter C.
Please see the following on how to utilize these materials.
When I use shaving cream, I use it on an aluminum pie pan to contain the mess.
When using yarn and craft sticks to form letters, depending on the shape of the letter, sometimes you need to use both yarn and craft sticks.
In the case of the C, you only need yarn.
You would need both for A, which is shown in the image below.
You will practice forming the letter with one or two manipulatives depending on the child's needs and age.
Then, I'll have the student write the letter on the table or in the air before picking up a pencil. Taking the time to let the child form the letter gives them practice thinking about the letter. It often helps them to recognize the letter later in stories.
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