Create language learning activities for preschoolers that incorporate a sensory element. For example, use sandpaper to cut out letter shapes for children to explore. The added textural element will encourage preschoolers to explore letter shapes. Allow children to use these sandpaper letters as stencils, or place a piece of paper over the letters and create rubbings using the side of a crayon. For another sensory experience with letters and writing, provide individual trays with a layer of cornmeal spread on them. Encourage children to use their fingers to create letters, shapes and words. If children have difficulty with the texture of the cornmeal, allow them to wear gloves or use an unsharpened pencil, q-tip or short dowel to write in the cornmeal.
Young children learn best when they are engaged in the activity and when the material presented is relevant to their lives and interests. When planning a circle time read-aloud for an inclusive classroom, be sure to keep in mind the average attention span of the children in your care. Keep children engaged by providing a movement activity that fits in with the picture book you are reading. For example, children can join in on rhyming words or repeating text with many Dr. Seuss books. Children will appreciate the nonsense humor, bright illustrations and easy rhythm of these literary favorites.
Each morning before children arrive, place a "secret" item in a pillowcase or paper bag. During your morning circle time, encourage children to guess what is in the bag by providing them with clues. Give each child a chance to either ask a question or make a guess as to what you are hiding. Children will build their deduction skills as well as exercise their expressive language skills. To be sure each child has a chance to ask their question or make a guess, go around the circle and allow each child a chance to talk before moving on to the next child.
Using the colored mat from the board game "Twister," create an interactive letter learning game. This game works best with a small group of older preschoolers. Use a dry erase marker to write one letter in each colored circle on the game board. Place letters on the spinner as well. Have an adult spin the spinner and call out the color and letter to the game players. To make the game a bit simpler than regular Twister, allow children to place either a hand or foot on the called letter. For example, call out "Blue A" and allow children to decide whether to place their hand or foot on the blue A. Adding a movement element to language and letter learning will allow children who have difficulty keeping still a chance to participate while being allowed to move their bodies.