Great teaching is an art form. Like any other art, it requires flexibility and imagination. Each child learns in a different way, so no single approach will work for everyone. The best teachers know how to fill their lessons with visual, auditory, and kinesthetic cues. Here is part of an action verse designed to help children recognize the sound of the letter G. It is from my book "ABC, Follow Me!" published by Linworth Learning (2007). It engages students by inviting them to join in an imaginary adventure in an underwater world. On this dive, they hear and repeat words that begin with the letter G.
After the presentation, the leader writes the letters G and g on the board. She asks participants to name G words from the poem, one at a time. If there is time, she asks students to think of other words that start with the same sound.
G is for Goggles
Leader: G is for goggles.
(Make goggles by touching the tip of each thumb to the tip of each forefinger.)
Participants: G is for goggles.
Leader: (Hold the finger goggles in front of your eyes,)
Participants: (Imitate the leader.)
Leader: Put them on and dive.
Participants: Put them on and dive.
Leader: (Hold nose, take a deep breath, and close eyes as if preparing to go underwater.)
Participants: (Repeat the action.)
Leader: G is for green: Green kelp waving all around. (Hold both arms overhead and wave them from side to side like seaweed in water.)
Particpants: (Repeat the leader's words and actions.)
To help children learn to recognize the symbols G and g, the teacher may have them make crayon rubbings. To do this, students place foam letters under a piece of paper and rub a wrapperless crayon, on its side, over the surface. The shapes appear like magic.
She may also invite participants to draw the letter in chalk on the playground or color and cut it out from a reproducible sheet.
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Contributor's Note
The verse quoted here is only the first part of the original. The book contains more than 30 similar poems, along with related art activities.
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