Next to books, magnetic alphabet letters are my favorite literacy tool. We have used our set over and over again since my kids were toddlers.
This week the Early Childhood Education Team is sharing ideas for our five senses theme. Let us show you how you can explore the senses with a set of magnetic letters. Plus, you will be working on building phonological awareness, learning phonics skills and strengthening writing abilities.
Exploring the Alphabet
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Materials Needed: a set of magnetic letters (here is our absolute favorite kind), small jelly roll sheet, 2 packages of flavored Jello, paper bag, blank paper, crayons or markers, and a small paint brush (optional).
Touch and Smell
These two senses work well with a smelly sensory tray. Pour the flavored Jello into the jelly roll pan. Spread to cover the surface.
Place a handful of magnetic letters into a paper bag. Have your child reach in and feel around for a letter. Without looking, can they guess the letter based just on touch?
Pull out one later and name it. Then, trace the letter with a finger.
Move to the Jello tray and draw the letter with a finger or small paintbrush. Smooth the Jello and repeat!
See and Hear
To explore the sense of sight and sound, pick and identify a magnetic letter. Name the sound that the letter represents. Have your child look around the room and find objects that begin with the same sound. Set the small items next each letter.
Taste
I don’t recommend tasting the magnetic letters. Instead, brainstorm foods that begin with each letter. Your child can draw pictures of each food and write the corresponding letter. The adult can also help with labeling if needed.
You could also finish off the activity with a snack of letter crackers or cookies.
So, get a set or two of magnetic letters and have fun exploring the alphabet through your five senses.
Now, explore some of the other five senses activities from the Early Childhood Education Team. But, before you go…
For more great book recommendations and literacy ideas, we send out a weekly newsletter. You can see a sample here. If you like what you see, sign up to receive it for FREE each week.
Number Sound Boxes by Munchkins and Moms
My Five Senses Book by Still Playing School
5 Senses Theme Activities for Preschool by The Preschool Toolbox Blog
Writing Letters in a Sugar Cookie Sensory Tray by Mom Inspired Life
Winter Theme Alphabet Sensory Bin by The Educators’ Spin On It
My Christmas 5 Senses Book by Life Over C’s
Exploring the Senses Using Cardboard Tubes by Capri + 3
Liz says
I saw this link on Homeschool Creations site. I love the idea of engaging in the 5 senses. It works for adults as well. Before becoming a mom, I was in property management and we were trained to always set up the model apartments with something demonstrating the 5 senses. We would leave cookies out, have the apartment smelling nice, have something available to touch, have music playing as well as have the apartment looking top notch…. I don’t have preschool age kiddos currently (but will soon) and this is a great activity for once my daughter is older. Thanks!
Jodie Rodriguez says
Liz, that is really interesting about the model apartments. I do believe that the more senses we can use when learning, that it will increase retention. Thanks so much for sharing.
Danielle says
What a great alphabet activity! We will have to try a Jello tray.
Clarissa says
I love the idea of a jello writing tray! We need to try that!
Theresa says
Using Jello as a sensory element in the tray is a great idea! How fun.
Amanda says
I like the mystery letter game! We may put our letter puzzles in a bag and try that this afternoon.
The Preschool Toolbox says
So many great ideas to encourage early literacy/letter skills! Love the painting/tracing in jello!:) Nice post!
Natasha says
Like this activity and we will be trying your jello writing tray today.