I created the Beginning Sounds activity specifically for independent practice in literacy centers. There are three different ways that you can use the templates. The first way (I’ll admit, it’s my favorite) is to laminate the templates and place velcro dots on the circles and letters. The students match the letters to the beginning sound of the word. I placed a long strip of velcro on the back of each board and placed the letters specifically for that template on the back. This makes it easy to quickly grab the template you wish the student to use and the letters are readily available.
The second way that you can use the templates is by laminating them and having your student use a dry erase marker to write the correct letter in the circle. Using this method, your student receives the added practice of writing letters.
Of course, I’m a big fan of those dry erase pockets. Simply slide the template you wish your student to use in the pocket and then write the letters with a dry erase marker. Dry erase pockets can be found in most teacher supply stores or catalogs. You can also order them on online through Amazon.
You can also use magnetic letters with the templates. You’ll need a few sets of magnetic letters for use with these templates. You can find magnetic letters at any dollar store, but I purchase my letters online through Banks School Supply as I like the shape and size of the letters. I also like that the consonants are blue and the vowels are red.
When you download the Make, Take & Teach Beginning Sounds templates you’ll receive 15 colorful templates. The letter order presented on the templates follow the order of introduction of a commonly used reading series. I’ve also included templates specifically for addressing b/d reversals and vowel confusion. Templates are differentiated as the number of letters progressively increased.
The Make, Take & Teach Beginning Sounds activity is available through the Make, Take & Teach website or through my online Teachers Pay Teachers store.
Whether you choose to use the templates on a cookie sheet, laminate and use dry erase markers, or use velcro, they are sure to help your students master letters and sounds.
I would like to know where you can purchase the hot and cold dots. My coworkers and I are working on making our hot dots cards. Thank you
Hi Bobbi- I purchase them online through Amazon. Here’s a link to the Hot Dots blog post. If you click the picture with the hot dot pen and the dots, you’ll be taken right to the Amazon page. https://blog.maketaketeach.com/making-your-own-activities-with-hot-dots/ Hope this helps. Julie