Elmira Children's Photography -“The more you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go.” - Dr. Seuss,

Last Saturday Joe and I added three more kids to the craziness when we babysat our friends' little ones.  They kids are amazing: fun, pleasant and pretty much the same age as our kids.  So I didn't even hesitate when Melissa asked me to watch them. 

Not only are these kids all fantastic and stuff, but they are super duper smart.  They can identify several different countries on a map (it's a fun party game!), and they all read.  Even Thomas, who just turned 3, can show you letters in a book. So I had a minor heart attack and slight stress headache when I discovered this.  See Maria, who is 4 doesn't know all her letters yet.  She's smart as a whip, but it isn't' something we practice regularly.  So this week I started "Letter of the Day"

Here's how it goes.  Each day, pick a letter - I have cards with all the letters on them.  Discuss the sounds, it's shape and a few words that start with this letter.  Then go on a letter hunt.  Send the kids around the house, looking for the letter of the day.  You can even tidy the kitchen, or maybe go to the bathroom in peace, while they do this.  Go for a walk and look on signs or license plates for the letter of the day.  Shape their food like the letter of the day.  Make a meal or snack with things that start with the letter.  Practice writing the letter.  Throughout the day remind them of the sounds and also look for a few letters from the previous days. 

My kids are loving this game.  And the best part, they are learning from it.  Yay for the letter of the day!