Using Play-Doh as a tool for literacy and numeracy
Teaching little ones the basics of letters and numbers doesn't have to be hard work. The more fun it is for both of you, the more they will learn and the more they will want to keep learning.Play-Doh has always been a favourite with my 3 boys and it is an amazing tool to help introduce your child to basic literacy and numeracy skills.
Simply make the Play-Doh into balls and count...not rocket science and do degree required, but it works.
When they get a bit older, add balls or take them way for an introduction to basic addition and subtraction.
Children need to start learning the different letters as a fundamental part of literacy and reading. Make the different letters by either modelling from an ABC book or start with spelling out names. It's great fun and amazing for their fine motor skills as well.
I wholeheartedly believe we have lost our way with teaching kids the basics they need for when they start school. Forget about all the new fangled theories coming out of test groups that focus on the wrong thing. Learning should be simple, fun and effective and sometimes the old ways are the best ways. Parents need to step back from the sometimes intimidating rhetoric about how to best teach children these days and do what is proven to work and work well.
What are your thoughts?
talk soon,
Michelle
www.michelleworthington.comwww.michel...
date
newest »
newest »
The same principle is used to teach children with Dyslexia. Anything physical is so helpful. Using a stick to write words and letters in the sand. Using their finger to write the letters in shaving cream.
You hit the proverbial nail on the head when you said that 'learning should be simple, fun and effective.' Learning should always be fun and playful. And the child will experience success and gain confidence in learning new things.
Children are expected to know their abc's, to count at least to ten, and know their colours before they start school, yet many do not. Sadly, these children are left behind.
However, when time is spent to teach these basic life long skills, it is truly rewarding. The look on a child's' face when they learn to spell their name is priceless.
So parents and caregivers, go on-pull out the playdoh and shaving cream, and have some fun.
Great post, Michelle.