Spelling and Strengthening!!!

Do you know of a student who has finger/hand weakness, poor eye-hand coordination and weak spelling skills? If so, you may want to try this "clothespin-spelling" activity.

You'll need:

Plastic clothespins (these require more strength than the wooden ones)
Sticker/Label Paper
Computer
Paint stick or ruler

 Print all of the letters needed for the spelling words using 26 - 28 font size on sticky-back label paper. Cut out each letter and stick it on a clothespin. I like to put the same letter on both sides of the clothespin.

Call out a spelling word and instruct the child to spell the word correctly by placing each letter/clothespin in order. Once she spells the word correctly, have her "sound out" the word.  This activity is good for visual scanning, spelling, finger strengthening and eye-hand coordination.

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Motor Planning Balloon Games: Have Some Fun!!!

Suspend a balloon from the ceiling or a doorframe using a long piece of string. Have your child hit the ball while having her say or sing the A-B-C’s or while counting. For example, A- hit the balloon, B- hit the balloon, etc. You can also make this more difficult by removing the string, and having her keep the balloon in the air as long a possible by hitting it while saying the A-B-C’s. Can she get all the way through the alphabet and keep the balloon in the air? This is also a fun activity for practicing spelling words!

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I Can Spell My Name!

Do you have a students who is learning to spell her name? This is a fun activity that is easy to create. Using a large, simple font (I like 72 Cambria or Chalkboard), type the child's name and print it out on white paper or card stock. You can begin with just the first name and progress to first and last name. Cut around the letters making small squares and laminate them. I frequently use the self adhesive laminate sheets available on Amazon.  Cut out a rectangular piece of black poster board (make sure the child's name fits on the poster board) and laminate it as well. Use sticky-back velcro dots to attach each letter to the piece of poster board. (See photos below).

Mix the letters up and place them in front of the student. You may want to start with a field of two or three letters. Ask the child, "What letter comes first in your name?" The child should choose the correct letter and Velcro it to the first spot on the poster board. Provide cues and modeling if necessary. Continue with the activity until the child has fully spelled her name.

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