Implementing activities that support clear learning objectives, preschool teachers can create brilliant lesson plans that help young children learn the letter T.
Learning Objectives
- The students will identify the letter T.
- The students make and recognize the T sound.
- The students will learn to trace and write upper and lower case Ts.
- The students will identify objects that begin with the letter T.
- The students learn to grow tomatoes from tomato seeds.
Handwriting and Phonetics
In order to introduce the letter T, create a poster board which shows both the upper and lower case letter T. Glue a variety of pictures of objects cut from magazines that begin with the letter T. Discuss the poster board with the children, pointing out the variety of items that begin with the letter T.
Demonstrate the T sound and ask the children to make (repeat) the T sound. Ask the children to think of objects, names, and places that begin with the letter T.
On a white board or chalk board, draw both an upper and lower case T. Children can practice tracing the letter T in both upper and lower case using letter T worksheets. A letter T worksheet appropriate for preschoolers can be found on the TLS Books website. In addition, teachers can direct children to practice making upper and lowercase Ts using pencils or crayons on blank sheets of paper.
Circle Time: Scavenger Hunt and Object Sorting
Make a scavenger hunt list with pictures of items what begin with the letter T. Hide the items within the classroom, then go over the list with the children, explaining that all of the items that begin with the letter T. Let the children search for the items. The scavenger hunt is over when all of the items have been found.
Object sorting is great cognitive learning activity which will help children identify objects that begin with the letter T. For this cognitive learning activity, place toy or real objects which begin with the letter T in a cardboard box or other container. Along with these items, place objects beginning with other letters of the alphabet. As each object is revealed, children will sort those objects that begin with the letter T from those that do not.
Examples of objects that begin with the letter T: Tiger, teabag, tractor, toothbrush, towel, twig, toast, tooth, tent, telephone, turtle, treasure chest, turkey, tomato, toothpaste, toad, t-shirt, and tuna.
Science: Growing Tomatoes
Growing tomatoes with preschoolers teaches children about science along with the letter T. Fill a small planter, flower pot, other container with potting soil. Be sure that the container has holes for drainage. Next sprinkle tomato seeds on top of the soil and cover with a thin layer of potting soil. Cover with plastic wrap and secure the plastic wrap with a rubber band.
Place the pot in a place that is warm but gets plenty of light. Remind the children to check the plant daily to see if it needs to be watered. As the seeds sprout, transfer them to larger pots or into the garden. Supplement this activity with a “T is for Tomato” worksheet or poster board.
There are a host of activities that will enhance alphabet recognition, writing and phonetics. Adding these simple activities will greatly enhance preschoolers’ language learning. The key is to have fun with lesson planning and to be creative in seizing moments that provide the opportunity to teach.
 |
