I teach second grade and used this activity for a review of initial consonant sounds at the beginning of the year:
Tell the children that they are all going to change their names for the day and become "alphabet people". Give each child a 15" circle of paper and assign each child a consonant. Have the child cut out one-quarter of the circle (I tell them to separate the "pie" into four pieces and cut out one piece.) Then, have the child write their new "name" (the consonant) below the "v" that was cut out of the circle so that it will appear on the front of the hat when rolled up like a cone. The children then decorate the hats with pictures of things that start with the sound of their new name. For example, Mr. or Ms. B would draw things like bumble bee, bus, box, etc. After the children are through drawing, roll the circles up like a cone and staple or tape together. Punch a hole and insert a pipe cleaner in each side as chin straps to hold the hats on.
All day long, refer to the children by their letter names. When they've grown accustomed to this, call on them by saying words that begin with their letter. For example, when you call on "brown", Mr. or Ms. B would answer. You can also read a simple story and have the children stand up and then sit back down when they hear their names. It's lots of fun!
games to play...
songs to sing...
Candy Corn Bingo
bingo form on pumpkin shaped cutout
candy corn
Program a bingo form with whatever skill is appropriate for your grade level (letters, numbers, shapes). Laminate for future use. Make enough for entire class. Each child will use candy corn for their markers. After playing the children can enjoy the candy corn for a snack!
10 acorns, leaves, pumpkins, or other seasonal small items
Give each child his/her own acorn (or leaf, pumpkin, or other seasonal item). If there are less than 10 children, some may get two. Sing to the tune of "Ten Little Indians".
One little, two little, three little acorns
four little, five little, six little acorns
seven little, eight little, nine little acorns
ten acorns in a row
Each child places his/her acorn on the floor, lining them up in a row. This is a good opportunity to discuss that an acorn is food for squirrels and that it is also a seed that grows into an oak tree.Give each child his/her own acorn (or leaf, pumpkin, or other seasonal item). If there are less than 10 children, some may get two. Sing to the tune of "Ten Little Indians". "One little, two little, three little acorns, four little, five little, six little acorns, seven little, eight little, nine little acorns, ten acorns in a row". Each child places his/her acorn on the floor, lining them up in a row. This is a good opportunity to discuss that an acorn is food for squirrels and that it is also a seed that grows into an oak tree.
wax paper
Elmer's glue
black permanent marker
hole puncher
black yarn
Squeeze about 2 tablespoons of glue onto a piece of wax paper. Pick the wax paper up and let the glue move around. You can move the glue in any direction you wish. When you have the shape you like put the wax paper in a dry warm place to dry. When the glue has dried, peel the shape off of the wax paper. Punch a hole close to an edge make two round eyes and a round mouth with the permanent marker. Cut a piece of yarn long enough so that the gluey ghost hangs comfortable around your neck. Tie a knot in the yarn.
Oreo cookies
frosting mix
red licorice ropes
chocolate chips or red hots
Split the cookies and put three lengths of red rope licorice across the frosting, letting about 2 inches hang out both sides for legs. Add a little canned frosting and put the cookies back together. Put two small dollops of frosting on edge of cookie and add two chips or red hots for eyes. *you can also use black licorice.
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