Using chalk outside is a fun way to practise writing key words or spellings. Doing a spelling test outside with chalk is WAY better than sitting at a table with paper and pencil but achieves the same results! Why not try using some water and a paintbrush too. Enjoy!
It is important when reading with your child that you say the sounds properly. This will help them to blend words accurately. The following video will help with this.
Children enjoy using the computers and there is a whole host of websites out there to help your child learn. I have a added a few below and I would be interested to hear of any others your child enjoys.
StudyLadder – www.studyladder.com
www.sumdog.com
www.spellzone.com
www.doorwayonline.org.uk
Skoolbo is a great free site to help your child with reading and maths. Visit the site at www.skoolbo.co.uk
Within Pupil Support some pupils have taken part in Lego Club. Lego club is a cooperative group task where pupils work together to complete a Lego model.
When the group first meet rules are established for working in a fair and fun way. Examples of rules we use are:
Lego Therapy supports language development especially in reading, talking and listening which can be seen at an early level as follows:
In general terms the skills we discuss with the children can be seen as follows:
The pupils work in groups of 3 or 4 and take on the following roles that increase in difficulty.
The jobs that they have during the session are:
The role of the checker encourages pupils to observe their peers and give constructive feedback on their use of language and conversation skills.
Over the course of a number of sessions pupils will experience all the roles.
The Lego models used by the children are a combination of pre-bought complete Lego kits and ones that we ourselves have put together. They are organised into 6 levels that increase in difficulty. Thanks to HOST who very kindly donated money to purchase the Lego resources.
The Lego Therapy approach can be used with other resources such as Mr Potato Head or Angry Birds.
If you would like to see these resources in action please come along to the Literacy Showcase event on the 24th March in the afternoon in the art room. Where you will find that it would be very easy to replicate this approach at home with your child/children to develop their literacy skills.
