Play dough can make the shape of a letter easier to explore. Introduce a letter and its strokes first, then help children roll and place pieces over the model. Use the Nativity words when they fit the lesson.
At a glance
Build one letter form at a time and compare it with its printed partner.
1. Introduce the letter
Name the letter and point to one straight line or curve. Show its other case beside it.
2. Roll a piece of dough
Make a short rope and compare it with the first part of the printed model.
3. Place the parts in order
Follow the letter model and bend a rope for a curve. Give children time to check where parts meet.
4. Connect a word to the story
Choose a familiar Nativity picture and read its word. Point to a letter children can recognize.
5. Try the movement away from the mat
Trace the letter in the air or on paper. Keep the model nearby as a reference.
A classroom example
In a fictional group, Teo makes an uppercase letter but leaves a gap where two parts meet. His teacher points to the join on the mat. Teo adjusts the dough and names the letter.
Companion printable
The 45-page PDF provides play dough models for capital and lowercase letters and 17 illustrated Nativity words.
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