Enjoy Sensory-Smart, Montessori-Inspired Phonics Fun

What do you get when you cross a scooter with a printed movable alphabet?

A super-simple, sensory-smart, Montessori-inspired phonics game.

At least, that's what we got the other day when I realized that Nina and Jack needed a little extra movement during lesson time.

Want to play?  You can be ready in minutes!

Materials

• a movable alphabet or
• a scooter

Presentation 

1. Choose five or more words that your child will be able to encode and place the letters for these at one end of a hallway or room.  Alternately, simply place a movable alphabet there.  (Placing only the letters needed adds with self-correction.  Using the entire alphabet encourages recognition and use of alphabetical order when the child searches for letters.)
2. Stand at the other end of the hallway and call out a word.  Your child's job is to scoot down to collect the letters that spell the given word and, then, to return with them.
3. Continue until all target words have been spelled.

Skills

• Reading (Encoding Skills)
• Listening
• Gross Motor
• Vestibular Input/Heavy Work
• Motor Coordination/Motor Planning

Quick Tips/Extensions

• To have a child play this independently, have the child read a word card, or look at a picture card, at one end of the space and, then, go collect the letters at the other end.
• As the child retrieves the letters of each word, have the child lay the words out.  After all words have been spelled, switch from encoding skills to decoding ones by having the child read the words.
• Practice handwriting, by following this game immediately with copywork of the words or using the words in imaginative sentences or stories.
• Vary body positions on the board.  Lay on the belly and "walk" with hands/arms.  Kneel and use arms to propel movement.  Sit and use feet to propel movement.  Etc.
• Encourage alphabetization skills by having the child help you put the letters for the words back into the movable alphabet letter box. 

What movement-based activities do you use to meet your child's needs while also encouraging phonics practice?