Flash cards by themselves are great learning tools for children. There are many different types of flash cards, and each typically displays two different ways of learning a letter. By using two-sided flash cards, a game can easily be created.
This game works best with a letter on one side and a picture of something that begins with the same letter on the other side. After the teacher holds up the picture, the child will have to identify the letter with which that word begins. Depending on the information on the cards, there may be different variations of identifying the letter.
Use home-made or store-bought letter cards to create a game of memory. Make sure that there are two cards for each letter of the alphabet. The cards should have one side showing the letter and the other side blank. First, show the letter side of the card to the children, and follow this step by flipping the card over to the blank side. Use a minimum of two letters per game, by placing at least four cards letter side down.
Allow the children to remember the locations of the same letter cards by taking turns flipping over cards individually until two of the same letters are flipped to make a match. Continue play until all of the letters have been matched, and when all cards are showing letter side facing up the game is completed.
The goal of this game will be to build a tall stack of blocks to show how many letters have been learned. First show the children the block of choice and ask them to identify the letter displayed on the block. If a child correctly identifies the letter first, she is given the block as a reward, and can use it to build a tower. Choices for letter identification can vary by letter recognition and sounds the letter makes. Also, the blocks can be shown in alphabetical order, or by random selection.
A scavenger hunt can be held at home and in the classroom. First, the educator must come up with a list of items that are available. Inform the children of the selected letter and reveal a few items that begin with the same letter. When children hear a word they recognize, they will then search to find that item. By using a few items, children are able to make comparisons and strengthen their understanding of the letter.
It is important to address that all of the words in the hunt begin with the same letter. Be sure that there is identification of this letter when the hunt is completed.