Recently, we have had many more do-a-dot pages sent home by X’s preschool teacher. I actually used to really loathe these because I felt like they were just repetitive busy work in the form of worksheets.
However, I there are benefits of these pages in that with repetition of such pages, children can know what is expected and can become increasingly independent in using th format. These kids if I-spy do-a-fits as pictured above are also good visual tracking and help children practice recognizing the shape of the letters. However I think the best way to use these pages regularly is to make sure you are switching up the ways in which they are used and to try to make them as hands on as possible so that children have a chance to engage in more tactile learning because we know that children learn best when they are engaged through multiple sensory experiences. So here are a few ideas of ways I have used these sheets. As a disclaimer, of course many of these ideas I have picked up from others and from my time as a preschool teacher but these are methods I have personally tried with X that I find keep things new and more engaging than if I just had him color the circles.
1) Use with place markers such as beads, buttons, rocks or glass stones.
This is my most common chosen method for use with the do a dot pages. I think this is because it’s generally easy to set up but I like the added use of manipulative and that X can feel each time he picks up and puts down a marker on each space or letter. Again it adds that extra sensory experience.
2. Pair markers with tweezers or spoons for greater fine motor and hand-eye coordination.
Pairing the markers with a spoon or tweezers is also great because it can help with coordination and hand strength in a way that is different and novel from just using a stylos or crayon.
3. Switch the means of marking in the page up with different types of stylos. Examples include a dot marker, crayons, paint, markers, chalk or even oil pastels. Changing what’s used can make completing the page more engaging and inviting just because the experience is more novel.
Another easy alternative is using dry erase pockets and dry erase markers to mark the dots. As an added plus, you can reuse the sheets this way.
4. Use tape or stickers or even playdoh for a different type of fine motor practice.
Use of tape or stickers is also really great practice for little fingers. Tape is even more advanced because it requires the coordination of ripping the tape off the roll in the right size and then placing it. If a child has trouble with this part, you can have them cut pieces ahead of time with scissors and then place them until they have more practice or you can help them cut or rip as needed. Playdoh is also a fun alternative and may be a little easier for pulling apart. You can practice rolling the dough into little balls and then smooshing on the letter dots.
5. Use stamps or sponge paintbrushes with ink or paint to mark the letters.
I have also on occasion used stamps or paint with the sponge paintbrushes to complete the pages. I like the already round stamps or you can use paintbrushes like the ones pictured (purchased from Dollar tree) with ink or paint.
What about you have you used do a dot pages with your little? Of course you can find them in many places through a simple search on Pinterest but for letter specific ones I really like the style that this site puts out. I like that these pair well with Montessori method and if you are already using a moveable alphabtet you can pair the sheets well with that.
No comments:
Post a Comment