My first grade students would profit from a tactical project, so we drew appropriate pictures. Some students looked through phonics cards, picture dictionaries, and library books. Some children made their pictures from their own imagination. They used wikki-stix to form their letters.

Instructional Objectives

Students will:

• Sift through useful materials

• Form the letters of the alphabet using a multi-sensory approach to increase retention

• Practice and improve fine motor skills
  

The children used a digital camera to take pictures of their finished pages. When the children saw e-book presentations on the computer they were motivated to create their own class e-book

I was able to observe children as they used reference materials, concentrated on correctly forming the letters (alphabet familiarity and fine motor skills). After making the e-book, the children were more enthusiastic about alphabet activities; they showed increased retention using 1:1 evaluations.

Start early in the year and make e-books when it is feasible. Make sure you can work with a group because 1:1 takes too long. As always, try the activity yourself first to make sure you know the technology.

Student Work Samples

Click on each thumbnail to see a full-screen version.