There are many times that kids will choose to bypass doing a worksheet and play instead. Of course they will, they want to play and have fun. That is why I enjoy so much providing hands on learning activities. Kids are having so much fun that they have no idea just how much they are learning. This is absolutely the case with these Uppercase Alphabet Pattern Block Mats.
My kids LOVE pattern blocks. They can follow mats or create their own designs. They enjoy it so much! That is why this alphabet activity with pattern block is so popular with kids. They literally think they are having fun when in reality they are taking beginning steps to reading and strengthening critical finger muscles.
Uppercase Alphabet Pattern Block Mats
Learning uppercase letters has never been so easy or fun!
The first step for children in learning how to read is being able to identify all 52 letters, both upper and lowercase. The next step is to recognize beginning sounds. The great thing about these pattern block mats is that it works with BOTH! That being said, you don’t HAVE to work with beginning sounds yet. If your child or students are not ready for beginning sounds, this activity is still incredibly beneficial!
Materials Needed
Paper | Laminating Pouch or Dry Erase Pocket |
Dry Eraser Marker | Pattern Blocks
EXPO Low Odor Dry Erase Markers, Chisel Tip, Assorted Colors, 8 PackLearning Resources Wooden Pattern Blocks, Set of 250
TYH Supplies Reusable Dry Erase Pockets, 9 x 12 Inches, Assorted Neon Colors Set of 10
To Prep: Print out this free printable. Using some sort of protector for activities is a must for me. It can be either laminating or dry erase pouches. Both are work well and have their own benefits.
Lamination is more permanent, obviously, but dry erase pouches are much quicker. If choosing to laminate, go ahead and do so. If you choose to use the pouches, add the Alphabet Pattern Block Mat to the pouch.
To Use: You can start with whichever letter sheet you are choose. You can go with A-Z or completely random.
We start the activity off by stating which letter it is. We speak what the letter name is and then start with beginning sounds. I point to the picture and ask what the picture is and then emphasize the beginning sounds.
Next we build the letter with the pattern blocks, while using the diagram on the sheet. When the letter is formed, we use the dry erase marker to trace the letter.
We also talk about what the pictures are, on the left side. These are all pictures of words that begin with letter on the mat. This is a great introduction or reminder of beginning sounds.
The last part of the mat is to count the number of each shape used. It is fantastic to integrate a little math with our literacy stations! We count the number of each block and write them inside the block picture.
When we are done with the first letter, we move the pattern blocks off and start on our next letter.
If you child seems confused on the formation of certain letters, use it as a teaching moment to discuss with them how it is different than we would write it and see if they can develop a better way to form the letter with the pattern blocks. This will actually help them remember the correct shape of the letters because more of their brain and body is involved.
Additional Ideas
This is EXCELLENT for a literacy center activity or for students who are early finishers. This would also make a perfect activity for a letter of the day series! I also really like that this activity can be done with flexible seating and on trays, it is not restricted to just a table or desk.
Not only does this activity help with the formation and identification of each letter, as well as beginning sounds, it also is fantastic for assisting in strengthening fine motor skills.
We know that fine motor skills are critical for so many real life tasks as in handwriting, tying shoes, zipping up a zipper, eating and so much more!
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I also love that kids don’t know they are doing a learning activity. They may understand that they are practicing letters, but because they are having so much fun, they don’t grasp just how many skills they are strengthening! We try to incorporate ‘toys’ into learning activities as much as we can.
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