Children in reception will be learning to:
Read individual letters by saying the sounds for them. (Literacy)
What you need:
White wax crayon
Paper
Paint
Pot
Brush
Water
Before you start, use a white wax crayon to write a in a few different places on the white paper. If you don't have a white wax crayon, you could use a white candle instead.
Invite your child to make some magic paint! Let them squeeze some paint into a pot, pour a small amount of water into the pot and mix it around using a paintbrush to create a runny paint.
Hear it and say it
As they make their magic paint, they should say the magic word. Abracadabra! Encourage them to make the a sound (not name) by saying a-a-a-a-abracadabra! Model how to stir the paint in a anticlockwise direction because this is how they will form the letter a when they write it.
See it and say it
Use the watery paint to cover the piece of paper. Watch as the letter appears as if by magic! Wow our magic paint worked! We made the letter a (use the name). It makes an a sound like a-a-a-abracadabra!
Skills:
Hand Strength – Squeezing the paint develops the muscles needed to control a pencil when writing. Strong hands and fingers means it will be easier for your child to hold a pencil for longer periods of time before fatigue sets in.
If you have a go at this activity and share any photos on social media I would love to see them. Please tag @miniwritersclub and let me know how you get on.
Anna