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Neurodevelopment Teaching Tip of the Month Hands-On Letters and Words March 2010 |
A child's attention span and concentration are highly influenced by learning style. If the child is doing an activity that matches his or her natural way of learning, it's easier to stay focused. Of course the opposite is true as well.
Since phonics and spelling are sequential skills that build line-by-line, skill-upon-skill, global, random, and hands-on learners often have trouble paying attention and concentrating on the individual letters and words. Visual learners, too, have a harder time distinguishing the individual letters and words. Try these fun, interactive exercises to heighten awareness and concentration. The more senses used in learning, the more the brain is involved, and the greater the likelihood that the skill is retained. They also develop eye-hand coordination and body-in-space orientation. (See Teaching Your Child Concentration by Lee Hausner and Jeremy Schlosberg, LifeLine Press, 1998.) Cereal Writing for Preschoolers Pour a half-cup of Alpha-Bits® into a bowl. Place a paper-towel or flat baking sheet in front of the child. Be sure hands are clean. Choose one of the following tasks: • sort the letters by type (consonants, vowels) • look for letters A through Z in order • spell simple words and name Water Words Find a squirt-gun, a blank surface outside (preferably a side of the house or garage), and a warm day. For younger children (PreK-K), have them squirt shapes or letters on the wall. For elementary children, have them squirt their spelling list on the wall. Note: it may take some practice to get the flow of water correct. Alpha-Bits® is a Registered Tradename of Post® Cereals. 252 Words To view more 'Teaching Tips' Articles please 'Log In' and visit the 'Achives' page. |
