Engage the children in doing a funny fingerplay, such as “Itsy Bitsy Spider.” Sing a song aloud and demonstrate the actions, asking the children to follow along.
Singing aloud and doing fingerplays is a great way to begin to develop fine motor skills, and encourages children to participate in small group activities.
Set up an easel in the Art Center and allow the children to explore with paints and markers. Model how to form letters, including the letters in their names. When the pictures are completed, ask the children to tell you what the pictures illustrate. Write their words on their papers, and display their work in the classroom.
This activity will build the children’s early literacy and writing skills. They will feel confident when they see their work displayed, and will want to share it with families and friends. They will improve their fine motor skills and ability to express themselves.
Children enjoy listening to the same book repeatedly. As you read, allow them to read with you. Encourage them to finish rhymes or sentences with you.
As the children build their literacy skills, they will begin to recognize sounds and letters. They will enjoy the time with you and their friends, as they learn that there are routines and schedules to follow on a daily basis.