Ideas for teaching handwriting and letter sounds

My kindergartener has been having trouble with letter formation and phonics. The books I used for another child previously are just not working for her. Does anyone have an suggestions, ideas, other materials? After Shabbos, we decided to use a large chalkboard and whiteboard combo, and that seemed to help with the handwriting (rather than using the book), but I'd love other ideas as well! As for the phonics, it's just not "clicking" with her! I am in no rush, just need some ideas! Thanks!

Also, all of a sudden she has been having trouble recognizing numbers. She was doing great with this, and all of a sudden it's like she forgot everything! I am not sure if she truly forgot, or if she is just being stubborn (she's a pretty chilled out and relaxed kid!), but I am not sure what to do! Thank you!

Executive Member Joined: Aug 05 2011 Posts: 376

Some ideas you can try for handwriting - writing letters in shaving cream, with play do, wiki stiks, writing letters in the air, writing letters on the wall with a flashlight or laser, writing letters on each others backs and having the other person guess the letter, blowing the letters with the correct formation through a straw, finger paint

Executive Member Joined: Aug 30 2010 Posts: 418

does she have other symptoms that makes it hard to concentrate from a book? or have trouble holding the pencil correctly? I am not a therapist but I do have a kindergarten age child, I like the web-site www.starfall.com its free and you can print stuff out. I am not as creative as shaving cream and play dough ideas. but as long as you go slowly and give her a lot of positive feed back the web site is a fun place to start.

Handwriting Without Tears is a great resource for that age (and older). If you get the teacher guide, it includes tons of great ideas.

http://www.amazon.com/Letters-.....amp;sr=1-2

Also, Get Set for the Code is a great introduction to letter writing and sounds.

http://www.amazon.com/Get-Read.....amp;sr=1-1

Of course, books aren't REALLY necessary at this age, but if you want something to just pull out and do w/o much prep these are great.

Senior Member Joined: Jun 10 2007 Posts: 145

You should also try sparklebox. They have a lot of phonics resources and fun stuff to print out like playdough mats that you can laminate and role play stuff as well as handwriting.

Executive Member Joined: Aug 19 2006 Posts: 454

There are several Montessori materials/resources for this, including sandpaper letters and moveable alphabets. Although the 'classroom quality' materials are quite expensive, you can make your own. The Montessori method of learning language/literacy is very intuitive and self-correcting for the child. You may find it gives your child more flexibility in learning.

Check out an article about Montessori language methods here: http://www.montessori.org/inde.....;Itemid=71

And you can see what the materials look like here: http://www.kidadvance.com/Store/category.asp?catid=3&depId=1&offset=24

with ideas for doing these at home here: http://livingmontessorinow.com/tag/diy-montessori-materials/