A Santa sack sorting mat gives children a way to connect capital letters, lowercase letters, and picture words. Teach the letter match and the listening task separately before combining them.
At a glance
Start with a few letters and say the picture names before asking children to listen.
1. Match the letter forms
Show one capital and lowercase pair. Let children find a second pair with two choices.
2. Name a picture
Say its name aloud and use the same word as the picture key or lesson.
3. Listen for the first sound
Repeat the word and stretch the first sound when you can. Ask which letter represents it.
4. Place and check
Put the card on the matching mat and say the word again. Offer a different response such as pointing if needed.
5. Try a new word
Say a familiar word outside the set and ask which mat it might join.
A classroom example
In a fictional group, Dex pairs B and b but puts the moon picture on the mat. His teacher says moon and ball aloud. Dex hears the contrast and chooses ball.
Companion printable
The 32-page PDF includes 26 Santa sack mats for matching letter cases and beginning-sound pictures.
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