Help students with letter recognition and letter sounds with a daily game. Cut letters out of card stock or purchase plastic letters. Place the letters into an empty container. Each day during circle time, pass the container around, and ask each student to pick a letter and say the name of the letter they picked. Once students can recognize each letter of the alphabet, begin teaching letter sounds. In addition to saying the name of the letter, encourage students to say the sound that letter makes. Alternatively, ask students to think of a word that begins with the letter they pulled from the container.
Give students time each day to practice their writing skills. Provide paper, pencils, crayons and markers for writing. Give students stencils to trace letters, and provide printed material for them to copy, such as letters of the alphabet or student names. Give students an opportunity to become comfortable using writing implements and making shapes on paper.
Build your students' oral language skills through class presentations. Each day during circle time, ask students to share something about themselves during short presentations. Guide the presentations with specific themes; for example, ask students to talk about their pets, their favorite type of food, what they did over the weekend or their favorite cartoon character. Give each student a few moments to speak. Use this activity to teach both oral language and listening skills by asking that students sit quietly and pay attention to the speaker when it is not their turn to speak. Encourage students to ask questions and comment after the speaker is finished sharing.
Read to your students at least once each day. Choose books with colorful illustrations, and take time to talk about the pictures as you read. Encourage students to share their thoughts and ask questions during the activity. Move your finger underneath the words as you read them; this will help students begin to associate printed words with spoken language. After the story, encourage students to illustrate the story you just read. In addition, encourage students to tell their own made-up stories and create illustrations.