A Little Literacy

Early Literacy

Early Literacy Curriculum
Weeks 1-3

DESIRED RESULTS-

What should students know?

Students should know the letters of their first name and be able to write their first name using a model. They should understand that there are both upper and lower case letters of the alphabet. Students should be able to identify some letters of the alphabet in print, magnets, and puzzles. As a result of this unit, students will begin to see that different letters make different sounds and words. The enduring understandings that are desired is for the student to see and become comfortable with letters not only in the form of print but also by using different tools to trace letters such as sand, play dough. The focus of learning here is to introduce letters to children and to have them build relationships between the letters in their names. Students also should be able to express their needs and desires appropriately by informing the teacher when they need to use the restroom, have their shoes ties or need help with a project. Students should understand that it is OK to ask questions and they should raise their hands when they need assistance.

EVIDENCE-

The students will begin to recognize their names and make connections between letters on paper and letters that are magnets or toys. The students will associate the letters that they find on blocks to the letters in their name. The students will begin to form letters by using play dough or using their finger to trace in the sand. Students will use early writing skills to put their name on paper in conjunction with hands on experience. When the students are confident in getting the concept of letters, they will invite the teacher to share in creations that they have made that involve letters of the alphabet such as painting, beading, and coloring sticks. Children will ask appropriate questions about self needs and about the alphabet world to make connections.

LEARNING GOALS-

• Spells name

• Identifies several letters of the alphabet

• Communicates needs appropriately

SAMPLE ACTIVITIES-

• Students will use a variety of materials such as beads, buttons, pom poms to design the letters in their name. They will be provided with a poster board with their name slightly traced onto it. Using that as a pattern, the children will use materials of their choosing to glue onto their names. When completed, children may trace over the letters with their fingers to get the feel and shape of the letters.

• Students will be searching for letters of the alphabet which be be plastic magnets. These magnets will be placed into some magic sand along with some dinosaurs. The students will then take turns to excavate and search until they pick up a letter. Once the student finds the letter, they will be asked to identify it. If unable, assistance will be given. Afterwards, they can search in the area for something that begins with that letter.

• Using cookie cutters in the shape of letters, children will cut out the letters of their name using clay. Students can then compare their letters with others in the class to see who has the same letters.

• Students can paint and decorate the letters of their name when the clay dries. They can explore with a variety of options such as buttons and sequins.

• Students can get moving and shaking playing The Name Game