Activity 1: Syllable Clapping with Names – Children will clap the syllables in their names or objects.

• Differentiation for students with exceptionalities – Clap along with the child or provide picture prompts for objects.

Activity 2:  Sound sorting – Use small manipulatives (like ball, bat, banana) and have students sort the objects by beginning sounds.

• Differentiation for students with exceptionalities – Use fewer objects/choices or work on a couple of letters.

Play “I Spy” using sounds

• For example, I spy something that starts with the /s/ sound. This activity will help children tune into initial sounds. This can be simplified by limiting choices or using a picture.

Activity 1: Alphabet matching game - Children will have to match uppercase and lowercase letters to corresponding beginning sound pictures.

• Differentiation for students with exceptionalities – Use sensory letters or include audio support for students with sensory needs.

Activity 2:  Sensory Tray Letters – Children will trace letters in sand, flour, etc. while saying the sound.

• Differentiation for students with exceptionalities – Use verbal cues for language-delayed students, or sensory letters for visually impaired students.

Fridge Fun

• Using magnetic letters to build names or small CVC words.

• This hands-on activity will help reinforce letter recognition and sound association. You can start off small with putting together the child’s name and work your way to spelling out simple words, like cat, dog, bat, etc. This activity is also beneficial for tactile learners.

Activity 1: Unit/Theme Word Walls and Labels – Display a word wall or labels with pictures throughout the classroom and center areas. This will expose and showcase words that correspond to the unit/theme.

• Differentiation for students with exceptionalities – Use bilingual labels for ELs and have corresponding picture for visual aids.

Activity 2: Sensory Tray Letters – Children will trace letters in sand, flour, etc. while saying the sound.

• Differentiation for students with exceptionalities – Use verbal cues for language-delayed students, or sensory letters for visually impaired students.

Label Time!

• The child will put labels on household items or furniture with the help of a family member.

• This hands-on activity will help reinforce new words for different household items or furniture. This will help build environmental print awareness. This will be especially helpful for visual and ELL learners.

Activity 1: Read repetitive text – Read a book like Brown Bear and have the children echo sentences.

• Differentiation for students with exceptionalities – Shorten the sentence or use visual props.

Activity 2:  Song or Poems – Recite nursery rhymes or fingerplays.

• Differentiation for students with exceptionalities – Use hand motions or gestures for nonverbal children.

Read Aloud

• Families will model expressive reading during story time.

• This simple activity will fulfill many components as well as provide some bonding time with the child. By simply reading to your child, you are exposing them to new vocabulary, modeling expressive reading, and bonding with them.  

Activity 1: Read Aloud with Questions - Read a book aloud to the students. Throughout the book, be sure to ask questions to have the predict what comes next or to gauge their understanding.  

• Differentiation for students with exceptionalities – Offer picture choices or yes/no question options.  

Activity 2:  Story sequencing – Give students felt pictures or pictures from the story and have them place them in order.

• Differentiation for students with exceptionalities – Reduce the number of cards for students who need support or use Velcro boards for tactile learners.

Drawing the Story

• Read a story to your child. Then, have your child draw a picture of their favorite part of the story and describe it to you.

• This simple activity will allow non-verbal or language-delayed children to demonstrate understanding through art. It also strengthens narrative thinking and oral language skills when they explain their drawing.