Mr. Mott's App Reviews / Recommendations

     
      I often get requests from parents asked what apps are good for their child and on what device.  Click here for an ongoing list of apps I find useful for students in Kindergarten.  I list what devices they can be used on and how much they may cost.  Please feel free to share with me other apps you already use that you think is great!

Crayola Washable Bathtub Markers

       A family recently shared with me that you can purchase Crayola Washable Bathtub markers.  (Please note you may want to read the reviews - looks like it needs to be cleaned off immediately an only used on smooth bath tubs.  I posted a link to Amazon because there's reviews and its faster for me then looking through different websites, but I'm sure you can find them in other places!)  It makes it possible for your child to write on the bathtub wall, then splash the wall to clean it off.  You could use this tool in many different ways...

• Reading and Writing Skills
• Reinforcing proper pencil grip when drawing pictures or writing
• Practice letter formation
• Say a letter name or sound, have them write it
• Write a letter, have them write it
• Writing their name
• Sight Words
• you write, they read
• you say, they write
• they write a sentence using the word
• Spelling Words (starting in January and if your child is ready for it)
• Say a CVC word like cat, dog, fun - have them tap it and spell it
• Write CVC words - have them tap it and read it
• Math
• Writing numerals
• Writing a Math sentence to go with a picture (starting around December and if your child is ready for it)
• Drawing pictures to show a given number

Email me or comment below if you have your own suggestions!

ST Math App (Free)

      Your son/daughter may now play games they have played in school.  Visit ST Math's website to download the app to a phone or tablet device!  Or, your child can play JiJi's games on any computer by visiting JiJi's website!

Flashcard Activities

These activities can be done with any type of flash cards...

One set:

• Show cards to your kiddo and have them say it's name (or sound).
• Sort cards by words they know and don't know.
• Tape cards around the house.  Have them read the card as they pass by.
• Hang from door frames or ceiling - have them jump up and touch words as they read them.
• Modify this activity to have them jump up and grab the card
• Spread out in a line or curve - have your kiddo read them, then jump or step over them
• Hide the cards around the house for them to find, then read
• Sort cards by beginning letters / sounds, number of letters, number of syllables.
• Attach to a game board, using a dice and game pieces, have your kiddo role the dice and move that many spaces.  The space they land on they must read.  If they can't, have them go back to where they started.
• Have your kiddo make sentences using the flashcards to make sentences
• Have your kiddo use the flashcards to build the letter or word using legos, beads, playdough, glue and scrap paper, etc.

Multiple sets (if you make more flashcards)

• With 2 sets
• Play Concentration - have your kiddo flip over and read cards.  If they match, they keep them! 
• Play 'Go Fish!'

Click here for more ideas from our Reading Specialists!
Have other ideas!  Share below!

Letter / Sound Hunt

Here's an easy activity you can do anywhere anytime. We often do this at Snack Time after learning a new letter, during guided reading groups, during Morning Meeting, when lining up to go somewhere, a quick time filler, or on the bus for field trips. It's easy! Ask your kiddo if they can find the letter ___ or 'I spy the letter ___ .' Then, see if they can find it. You can change this activity in many ways...

• Have them find letters based on a description - round, straight, 1 bump, curvy, etc. Then ask them to name that letter.
• Say a sound instead of a letter name.
• Have your kiddo find a word that starts, includes, or ends with that letter.
• Play this game after reading a story - have them find as many of the letters as they can in the book you or they just read.
• Cut out or highlight the letters in newspapers or fliers.
• This activity can be modified for Math by saying...
• I spy something that shows this many (show with fingers or make sounds)

Comment below if you have your own twist on this activity or if you find it very helpful!