Fun Ideas for Learning The ABCs

Need some fun games and activities for learning the alphabet and letter sounds? 

Try some of these:

Resource Round-Up: Alphabet Fun!

Here are four great sites to gather ideas for learning the alphabet:

1.  Alphabet Crafts from Momma's Fun World

Friday Freebie: September Newsletter

This year I'm sending a monthly "Literacy at Home" idea in our school's newsletter.

September's idea ties literacy in with family time and math skills:

You can download your free copy of the newsletter here: September Literacy at Home

Enjoy!

Friday Freebie: Magic E Word Sort

Magic E... Silent E... whatever you call it, here is a word sort for it!  This Friday Freebie is modeled after my popular Short Vowel Word Sort.

Since it was a hit, I figured it would be a good idea to follow the same format and continue with another phonics concept - that silent/magic E.

You can download it here: Magic E Word Sort.

Enjoy!

International Autism Awareness Day - April 2, 2013 - Free Apps

Today is International Autism Awareness Day.  If you are looking for information about autism and/or want to know more about it, I highly recommend Autism Speaks.

In honor of International Autism Awareness Day, many companies who provide services and materials for children and adults with autism have made their apps through itunes available for reduced price or even free.

If you use iPads or iPhones in your classroom, then you should be able to find quite a few good apps from these two websites that list many of the participating apps:

• iAutism's List
• The iMum's List

Hopefully you can find some good resources. 

Friday Freebie: Color by Letter - Vowels

This Friday Freebie (Color by Letter: Vowels) is for the youngsters working on identifying and practicing vowels. 

I'm not the most artistic person in the world, but I gave some basic holiday and season scenes a shot.  I think they turned out alright... but hey, they're free!

So here it is:

You can download the packet for free here: Color by Letter: Vowels on Teachers Pay Teachers.

Literacy at Home: List Maker

Here is an easy way to incorporate literacy at home:

List Maker - The next time you need to make a list, have your child do it for you.  It is an easy activity that can help get your child writing, spelling, and thinking about words.  Plus, it is easily adaptable for many ages.

• Pre-K and K: Ask your child about the letters or sounds in the items.  Ex: "Bread... what letter is at the beginning of the word bread?"  or  "Bread... what sound do you hear at the end of the word bread?"
• 1st-2nd: Your child can write the items down for you. Dictate spelling as necessary and practice handwriting skills.
• 3rd-4th+: Your child might need help with spelling certain words but should be rather independent. You now have a scribe!