Match and Model Letters
Here's What To Do
1
Select a place with a flat surface. Set out modeling clay, play dough, or air-dry clay (see Homemade Play Dough Recipe attachment if you'd like to make your own).
2
Write an uppercase letter on a piece of paper.
3
Show your child how to match the shape of the letter with clay. (Try rolling the clay between your hands to create thin 'snakes,' then cut and shape these to make a letter.)
4
Keep making different letters. Can you spell your child's name with clay?
Put PEER Into Action
P
Pause:
- Sing the alphabet song to get in the letter-writing spirit!
E
Engage:
- "Can you make a long clay snake like this? Put the clay in between your hands then rub back and forth."
- "Can you use your snake to match the shape of letter C?"
E
Encourage:
- If your child isn't sure where to start, help them notice the lines, curves, and circles that the letter is made out of.
- Gently correct your child if they make a mistake, like: "Ooops! The loop on your P is backwards. It actually goes like this. You were so close!"
R
Reflect:
- Ask your child, “Which letters were trickiest to make?
Not quite ready?
Begin with easy capital letters like T, L, and C, or try making the first letter in your child's name.
Ready for more?
See if your child can make all 26 uppercase letters with clay!
As your child masters this skill...
They will know how to write some letters of the alphabet.