Supplies
- Sight words from appropriate list written on index cards or card stock
- Two floor spots, mats, trays, or paper plates
- 1 container of multiple sets of letter beads (We like these from Lakeshore)
- White board/paper/ chalkboard
- Appropriate writing implement for surface (pencil, dry erase marker, chalk)
Procedure
1. Place floor spots at appropriate distance so that child can not see the letter on the second spot when standing at the first spot.
2. Child looks at sight word card, and depending on skills, reads letters or read word
3. Child walks (hops, skips, jumps etc) to second spot to collect all letters in the word
4. Child returns to first spot and puts letters in order on the spot (OK to reference the card for correct order if needed)
5. If appropriate, child writes word on white board. If not able, adults can write word
6. Repeat as long as child is interested.
**Depending on child’s ability adult should offer an appropriate amount of assistance for success and then fade support as the child becomes more independent.
Benefits:
- Improved visual memory via practice of holding picture of letter sequence in their mind while navigating environment
- Improved ability to ignore irrelevant visual/auditory information in the environment while navigating around other children/ furniture with focus on navigating between spots and returning with correct letter sequence
- Improved use of vision in space to navigate environment
- Movement built into task is energizing for sluggish under-responsive children and is restoring for movement seeking children.
