Learning points: help children to say the sound “a”, recognise the sound “a” in different words and help older children to recognise the visual formation of the letter “a”

Did you know….identifying the sounds in a word is an important foundational skill needed for reading and writing? Sound identification always starts with identifying the first sound in a word, then later the last sound and finally the middle sound.

As we explore our African Alphabet together we are starting to help our children identify the first sound in words.

Let’s sing all about ants and learn to count to 10 with this well known children’s song called “The Ants Go Marching “

Do you know who likes to eat Ants? Anteaters! What other words begin with “a”. Let’s explore together…

Additional supports to download: Anteater Colouring Sheet Anteater Worksheet for Giraffes (letter formation)

Additional Montessori inspired activity: Sensory writing Tray.

Fill the bottom of a tray with sand/flour/salt or even shaving cream. Give your child the visual letter card to copy and invite them to draw it in the tray with their finger.

Benefits include: Development of fine motor skills, hand eye co-ordination, development of the sense of touch, letter recognition and letter formation.

Every child is different, but we recommend introducing tactile letter formation activities such as these around 4 years of age. After your child has mastered shapes.