Sometimes I like to put out a worksheet type of activity on the shelf that allows children to practice a skill in a pencil and paper format. I always set it up in a hands-on way that allows for as many children as possible to successfully complete the activity if they choose it. For this work, I printed and copied a paper from Kidssoup. This particular paper requires the child to visually discriminate between an upper and lowercase "e" and to color each one differently according to whether it is capital or lowercase. Below you can see how I set this up on the shelf. I have one tray with the copies of the paper. Next to that is a little basket with 2 Do-A-Dot markers (1 red, 1 blue), a pencil, and a control card.
This is a close-up of the basket. Unfortunately you cannot really see the control card very well. I just took a regular index card and folded it in half. Then I used a black Sharpie marker to draw 2 eggs. I wrote "E" in one and colored it blue with a colored pencil and wrote "e" in the other and colored it red.
To do this work, the child takes one paper and the little basket to a table. They set it up as shown. The control card allows them to be able to follow the written directions on the paper without being able to read the directions. This allows them to complete this work independently. I presented this work at line time to the whole class. I modelled writing my name on the paper in pencil. Then I showed the children an uppercase and lowercase "e" and told them that "Easter" and "egg" both begin with E. We also talked about our classmates who have names that begin with E. Then I showed them how to find the uppercase Es first and stamp them blue. I repeated with the lowercase Es.
In the next photo you can see my own 3 year-old doing the activity.
And here is what it looks like finished.
Hopefully this post has opened your eyes to how you can use worksheets in a developmentally appropriate way using small modifications that will allow children at many different age and skill levels to access the skill being practiced.
Hi LAura :) This looks like it could be fun. You've been posting such gorgeous Easter treats. Thanks - as always - for sharing!
Posted by: Amber | March 31, 2009 at 06:00 PM