Your Child Will Learn
To notice how letters are written and re-create letters with clay.
Here’s What to Do
- Select a place with a flat surface. Set out modeling clay, play dough, or air-dry clay (see below for homemade play dough recipe).
- Write an uppercase letter on a piece of paper.
- Show your child how to match the shape of the letter with clay. (Try rolling the clay between your hands to create thin ‘snakes,’ then cut and shape these to make a letter.)
- Keep making different letters. Can you spell your child’s name with clay?
Put PEER Into Action
PAUSE
- Sing the alphabet song to get in the letter-writing spirit!
ENGAGE
- “Can you make a long clay snake like this? Put the clay in between your hands then rub back and forth.”
- “Can you use your snake to match the shape of letter C?”
ENCOURAGE
- If your child isn’t sure where to start, help them notice the lines, curves, and circles that the letter is made out of.
- Gently correct your child if they make a mistake, like: “Ooops! The loop on your P is backwards. It actually goes like this. You were so close!”
REFLECT
- Ask your child, “Which letters were trickiest to make?
Not Quite Ready
Begin with easy capital letters like T, L, and C, or try making the first letter in your child’s name.
Ready for More
See if your child can make all 26 uppercase letters with clay!
As Your Child Masters This Skill
They will know how to write some letters of the alphabet.
Time to Complete
10-20 minutes
Materials Needed
Non-toxic modeling clay, play dough, or air-dry clay. (Homemade play dough recipe below)