If your kids are anything like my kids, they will love this method of learning to write letters. With two kids in the house who are learning letters, I am always looking for new ways to teach them. Pencil and paper do the trick, but I want them to be inspired by new ways, as well. My kids love play dough so incorporating play dough and letters seemed like the perfect way to further their learning.
We did it a couple of different ways. First, I had them roll their play dough flat and then gave them tools to “write” with. I put out flashcards with letters on them, as well, so the kids could copy what they see and I worked with my own dough while they worked so that they could see the way I did it. I always find that they learn best when they can see it being done and do it at the same time. I wasn’t sure if the flashcards would help but Sylas actually referenced them while he was working. We worked on letters S (for Sylas), J (for Josie), and A.
The second way we used play dough to learn letters was by forming the letters with playdough. I taught them to rip a piece of the dough off, roll it in their hands until it’s long like a snake, and then form it into the letter they want to make.
They wanted to make shapes this way, as well. It could work for any learning concept!
They really loved making letters with play dough and asked if we can do it again tomorrow. I’m completely okay with that because it’s easy to clean up and there are not many materials involved.
For older kids, this would be a good way to practice sight words and spelling words.
What are some of the ways you teach your kids to make their letters?
