When learning about syllables, some children may have a difficult time hearing the separations within the words. It may be that syllables are simply a difficult concept or, perhaps, that a child is not an auditory learner. In either case, it may help to be able to “see” the syllables. Try the following activity to help your child visualize the syllables within a word.
On a sunny, hot day, fill a container with water. Cut a kitchen sponge in half or even quarters. Then, find an open space outside with a surface you don’t mind getting wet. This could be a driveway, sidewalk, deck, patio, or even a wooden fence. Have your child place a sponge in the water and wring it out. The sponge is now ready to illustrate the syllables in a word.
Begin with short words that have only one or two syllables. Demonstrate for your child how to dab the sponge onto the surface one time for each syllable in the word. For example, if you were illustrating the word “puppy”, you would have two separate water marks from dabbing the sponge two times.
As your child masters the shorter words, move on to more difficult words comprised of more syllables. Be sure to leave enough space between “words” so that you are able to clearly see which marks you had intended on including for each word. (If you are cramped on space, you can use sidewalk chalk to draw a circle around each word’s markings.) Words will begin evaporating and space can be reused for new words.
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Written by BRWI Staff on May 10, 2010
Years ago, when I taught at a preschool during their summer session, I was introduced to an activity that captured both my attention and that of the children. Using an old-fashioned hot plate, children were able to create artwork like I had never seen before. The process stimulated, not only visual senses, but touch and even smell, as well.
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Written by Laura on May 5, 2010
Young children learn new vocabulary words by hearing them as they are used in conversation. Parents do not need to make flashcards (which the children couldn’t read anyway) or drill children with lists of words found in a vocabulary book. Children naturally pick up new words when they hear them. Most parents have experienced just how quickly children can learn a new word and use it in the
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Written by BRWI Staff on March 19, 2010
Young children often get a bit mixed up when it comes to senses. I can recall my younger son walking around saying, “I see something,” and then sniffing with his nose when there was a strong odor in the air. He knew he was experiencing something with one of his senses, but was a bit confused as to the correct vocabulary.
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Written by Laura on February 26, 2010
When you think of your sense of touch, you often focus on the texture of an object. It may be rough or smooth, soft or hard, scratchy, furry, or bumpy. However, the temperature of an object is also a trait of this sense with which young children often struggle to understand.
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Written by Laura on December 24, 2009
With radios, televisions, iPods, and so many other forms of technology bombarding our sense of hearing, it is important to take the time to help our children focus on what our ears help us do. And since hearing and listening go hand in hand, here is an activity you can do with your child which will help her to listen carefully to what she is hearing. Begin by gathering a collection of all sorts o
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Written by BRWI Staff on July 1, 2009
Sometimes, in our hurried lives, it is easy to forget to slow down and take notice of all the changes that are taking place around us. As spring continues and summer approaches, there are magical mysteries that fill the earth and air with unlimited delights for all to see, smell, and hear. The next time you are headed off to an appointment or activity with your preschooler, head out the door a few
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Written by BRWI Staff on May 13, 2009
Our goal is to give you the tools and confidence to teach your preschooler the joy of reading and writing.
Sponsored by Bridges Reading & Writing Institute -- teaching the JOY of reading and writing to students in preschool through 12th grade.
