Given that our that our story stones are still very popular with Immy twelve months after I introduced them and her current fascination in all things alphabet, when I saw this gorgeous idea for Alphabet Rocks I knew that I wanted to add some to our playful collection of alphabet resources.
So out came the paint pens and the big tub of rocks hidden away in our shed. I chose small, flat rocks and drew the letters straight on with the paint pens.
Alphabet rocks are just another tool that can be used with interested preschoolers to further their interest in letters. Typically, Immy enjoys picking out and identifying the letters that are familiar to her – the letters from her name, M for Mummy, D for Daddy, etc. Sometimes she will ask what an unfamiliar letter is. We don’t push it, just answering her questions and singing along to the alphabet song when asked 🙂
Used with early primary aged children, alphabet rocks can be a fun, hands-on way to make reading sight words or spelling words – you may just need to double up on common, often used letters. Alternatively, make up two sets of alphabet rocks for a fun twist on a Concentration style matching game. Rocks, scrabble tiles, magnetic letters – these types of resources are especially valuable for reinforcing abstract concepts (like the alphabet, numerals or mathematical equations) with physical (or kinesthetic) learners who like to touch, feel and handle things.
P.S. For more rocky inspiration, Juliet also features stones as a playful learning resource in this great post.
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Christie Burnett is an early childhood teacher, presenter, writer and the editor of Childhood 101. More importantly, she is a Mum who believes wholeheartedly in the value of children learning through play, the importance of quality early education, and the togetherness of family.
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