Teaching letters can be an engaging process and a fun way to learn for preschoolers.
The Waldorf method of introducing letters encourages children to make connections to the shape of each letter. This creates a fun way of learning each letter and a cue to help children remember how to write each one.
For instance, if a child goes to write the letter M and can't remember how, you can prompt them to remember "Mama Mouse" from this lesson! The child now has connections to the form of the letter -- this builds a solid foundation for letter writing.
Learning the Letter M
To Begin: Tell a story
The key is to begin with a story that will feature your letter in some way. As I've mentioned in previous posts, here is a wonderful video that demonstrates this principle.
Ideally, the intention is not for you to read a story to your child, but to remember it and deliver it orally. Props are highly encouraged! Act out your memorized story with stuffed animals, figurines, or whatever props you can find or create. This makes the story experience more captivating and engaging for your child.
My add-on: Choose a sound motif to feature your letter's sound within your story. For instance, while telling the story of the winter solstice, repeat the sound "mmmmmm" to make "yummy" sounds while the animals eat.
Illustrate the letter
From your story, create an illustration or picture of your letter. This can be a simple sketch or a fully developed illustration.
Option 1: Have the illustration already done at the start of your story. When you're done telling the story, ask the child if they can find the letter in your picture. Then draw the illustration together for the child to practice writing the letter.
Option 2: Create the picture together after your story is done.
See the video above for an example. If you cannot invest the time to memorize and act out your own story, play this video for your child (as I did for mine). Watch it together. At the end, use a chalkboard or simply use some paper and markers and draw the sketch together. Help to provide instruction to your child while he or she draws, as needed.
My almost four-year-old continued talking about "Mama Mouse" and making Mmmmm sounds for days and days after watching this video!
What else?
For additional activities to promote sound awareness and build letter writing skills, take a look at my post on how to introduce the letters. Here's an example of our letter "M" scavenger hunt bag.
Step 4: Cross-Curricular Connections
As I mention on my introducing letters post, a major aspect I like about focusing on one letter at a time is the cross-curricular content it opens me up to.
I do well with a little bit of structure. Just the small parameter of "things that start with 'M' " is enough to set my creative gears in motion!
I love how each letter provides learning opportunities into a wide range of topics. For instance, if learning the letter "M," you can make cross-curricular lessons focusing on mountains, money, music, etc.
This is great if you are a parent with a little one at home whom you need to keep engaged, or if you're trying to build a homeschool curriculum -- all while building awareness of each letter's sound.
After the scavenger hunt (which they may want to do again and again), use cross-curricular studies to teach your child about various fields related to the letter M.
Note: This post contains affiliate links to resources I've used with my own little one.
Math
Measuring - Have your child learn about different types of measuring.
Use a measuring tape or ruler to measure the length x width x height of a piece of furniture in your home.
Use measuring spoons and cups to learn about whole numbers and fractions.
Advanced: Depending on child's age, use the scale on a map to measure the distance between states or countries.
Money - Set up a pretend milkshake stand and have your child practice counting money to make purchases. Read the Max and Ruby story Bunny Money. The book includes pretend money that you can photocopy and print! (This was also a great time-using activity, as my 4-year-old sat and cut out all the money because he wanted to. Win!)
Science
Mountains - Study different types of mountains and their characteristics. Advanced: Create a model of a mountain and discuss how erosion and plate tectonics can change the shape of mountains over time. Study the history and culture of different mountain regions around the world.
Moon - Study characteristics and facts about the Earth's moon. Compare how the Earth's moon is similar and different to moons that belong to other planets.
Minerals - Explain what minerals are - naturally occurring substances that make up rocks. Show examples of common minerals such as quartz, feldspar, mica, and show how they are used in everyday items like toothpaste, makeup, electronics.
Create a treasure hunt: hide rocks/minerals around the house and have your child find them. Label each mineral they find and talk about its properties and uses. Have them decorate their own rock collection.
Animals - Learn about mammals or any animals that begin with the letter M:
Monkey
Mouse
Moose
Mountain lion
Mule
Meerkat
Manatee
Monarch Butterfly
Literature
Myths - Learn about various mythological stories and characters from cultures around the world. Mythological creatures include:
Dragon
Unicorn
Phoenix
Centaur
Griffin
Mermaid
Werewolf
Fairy
Kraken
Minotaur
Sphinx
Cyclops
Chimaera
Art
Mosaic - Create a mosaic using different colored materials or textures.
Crafts - Make a mini book of letters featuring objects starting with the letter M (color, cut, and paste pictures in).
Music
Music - Have students watch a video playing different instrument sounds, and see if they can guess which instrument is playing. Introduce the music notes A-G, or learn about the characteristics of music:
Pitch
Melody
Rhythm
Harmony
Dynamics
Timbre
Form
Movement - Have students learn to march in place or follow the leader around the room to feel a particular rhythm (relate to music).
Health
Meditation - Read Peaceful Piggy Meditation and practice the art of mindfulness with your child. The app Headspace also includes mediations for kids that feature Sesame Street, though a paid subscription is required. Free meditations are also available on YouTube.
Cooking
Meals - Make a special effort to eat foods beginning with the letter M. (And make them together, when possible!)
Macaroni
Marshmallows
Muffins
Melon
Mango
Mushrooms
Mashed potatoes
Margherita pizza
Meatballs
Milk
Extra fun
Put on a magic show or enjoy a game of memory!
Game Ideas
Engage the child in some interactive activities that help them to associate the sound with the letter.
Make various sounds of different letters, and see if the child can identify the "M" sound.
Give the child pictures of objects/animals, and see if they can identify the ones beginning with the letter M. As the child becomes more comfortable with the letter "M" sound, start to introduce words that have the "M" sound in the middle or at the end of the word, such as "camel" or "drum."
Create a word search with words that begin with the letter M, such as "moon," "milk," "mouse."
Play bingo or hangman with the letter M.
Have the child act out a story about monsters or mermaids/create a letter M puppet show.
Once you've studied a few letters: Play hopscotch! Tape pieces of paper with different letters into a hopscotch arrangement. Make the sound of each letter while the child jumps to it. (Or have them make the sound of each letter they jump to.)
Once you've studied a few letters: Play the floor is lava! Instead of placing traditional color swatches on the ground, place swatches with different letters. Have students jump to each letter when you make its sound.
Writing Ideas
Have students practice writing the capital and lowercase letter on traditional lined paper.
Practice drawing the shapes in the air.
Have students walk the shape by taping the letter onto the floor.
Practice forming the letter using playdough, sand, shaving cream, or using any other materials.
Most importantly, create an environment where your child can explore and have fun learning! The list above is intended to spark ideas and help you pick activities that align with your child's own interests.
Happy letter learning!
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