Moveable Alphabet with Object Box

Presentation

1
Show the child how to carry the alphabet box to the mat and open it. Name a few of the letters by sound.
2
Take out one object, for example a pig, and say its name slowly.
3
Say, "What is the first sound in pig? /p/." Find the p in the box and place it on the mat to the right of the pig.
4
Say the word again, stressing the next sound: "pi-i-ig. /i/." Place the i next to the p.
5
Repeat for the last sound, /g/.
6
Run your finger under the word and say each sound, then the whole word: "/p/ /i/ /g/, pig."
7
Invite the child to choose the next object and build its word, while you stay nearby.
8
Show how to return each letter to its own compartment at the end.

Extensions, easiest to hardest

Building words for a second object box with different vowels
Building words for objects with four sounds (frog, lamp)
Building the child's own name and names of friends

Control of error

The adult. The child is not corrected for spelling; the guide notes errors to plan more sound games. Once the child reads, the child can read back what they built.

Ready to move on when the child…

Builds a CVC word for each object with all sounds in order
Chooses objects and builds words without adult help
Returns letters to the correct compartments

Guide note

The child does not need to know every sandpaper letter first; they need most consonants and the short vowels. Do not ask the child to read back the word at this stage; building comes first, reading follows on its own.