Using Games to Get Ready for Kindergarten

It's so hard to teach our own children and especially during these summer months when they don't want anything to do with school work. Let's take out the work! Today we played a VERY simple game of letter recognition that my daughter LOVED!

Soooooooo Simple!!!!

What do I need?
1. an alphabet reference sheet or poster (I have one in my Super Alphabet Practice Pack, here)
2. a marker (penny, counter, pretty stone, etc.)

What do I do?
1. tell your child "we are going to play a game called Name the Letter"
2. take turns tossing (gently) the marker onto the alphabet sheet
3. the other person has to name the letter on which the marker lands
4. keep taking turns until the fidgets set in and then stop (go out on a high note, not with pleading and a fight)

Why this game?
Practicing the alphabet in order doesn't really help children recognize the letters completely. They need the opportunity to see the letters out of order so that they can really practice their shapes. This game provides them with the order of the alphabet in case they need it for support and gives them the chance to practice naming the letters.

The idea is to have fun and practice a skill at the same time! The best part is this little game can happen at almost any time of the day and takes 5 minutes. So enjoy a little simple fun!!

Enjoy!
Kristin

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