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Letters and Numbers for getting "Set for School"
As part of being Set for School iIn Kotuku we are practicing recognising letters and writing our names regularly. The tamariki sign themselves in by writing over their own names on a card and velcroing them on the wall. We are aiding them in forming the letters in the correct way when they are ready for that step.
With practice sheets showing their names with dots to follow and whiteboards to encourage free hand practice, more and more tamariki are picking up pens to develop this important skill. We say the letters of their names as they write and have games and visuals around the room to support this learning. The children are now recognising letters that they have in common with their friends and showing enjoyment of learning together.
For number learning we sing songs and play games. We match pictures symbol 1-10 with cards where the objects are counted up. Tamariki that already know the names of the symbols buddy with others and work collaboratively so that the skill is shared with plenty of repetition. Another skill we work on is ordering the numbers from smallest to biggest and again we learn from each other and grow confidence in calling the symbol name with a buddy's support.
The highlights for us are when a child recognises their own name or delights in writing it. Or when a group sets up playing a number game, supporting each other without an adult's instructions. The love for learning letters and numbers together is evident.