I made these letter stones during the summer and we have been using them lately for word making. I thought I should show you how easy they were to make. I had tried to make a capital and lower case matching activity:
But when the rocks were picked up, naturally the chalk rubbed off the stone. So a permanent letter was needed. We used river rocks from the dollar store.
Liquid Paper, Tippex, White-Out (something white) was used to paint on the letter. A good quality acrylic paint would probably work well too. While the kids were napping I painted the letters on. It dried quickly and a second coat ensured bright, clear letters.
A squirt of glue on the letters was an invitation for Daisy to get messy when she woke up. Her job was to spread the glue with her finger to cover all of the letters and seal the paint in. She did a great job.
Drying time was short and soon they were able to play.
Rose loved running away with the stones so we played ball while Daisy had her fun first.
Then they enjoyed spinning, hiding and making words with the letter stones.
A few misconceptions were noticed and discussed as we were word playing.
These letter stones are a great alternative to magnets and tiles for a change. The more variations of letter fonts and shapes children see, the quicker they can identify common characteristics.
I like this! It is important to experience letters in different ways and see different fonts. I think rocks are always fun.
agreed!!
Thank Michelle. I think so to. Luckily we are surrounded by letters and words. We are now noticing letters everywhere ( usually related to food!)
I love letter stones! In fact, I think word play is such a great way to engage kids in literacy generally.
Developing a love for literacy at an early age is so important. Making it fun certainly helps. Thanks for your comments : )
What a fun way to include your children in helping with the rocks, letting them experience the fun of them first, and all the ways to look at the letters. Indoor and outdoor fun, so child friendly, and educational. What child couldn’t love this kind of learning! Carolyn
Cheers Carolyn. I don’t what made us think learning wasn’t fun in the past (maybe past school experiences?). Thank goodness we now realize and share with our students and kids, that learning is FUN!
Great idea! We’ll have to make some of those. I really like the white on the dark. It makes it very clear to the child!
Thanks Jackie. Hope they turn out well.