Bean Plaques

Kids are pleased with the results, and parents are usually impressed.

Objectives

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Children ages 5-6 years will be able to print the name FM II
All children participating will be able to recognize their name, identify letters in their name, and children ages 2-2 ½ years will be able to pick up small objects (beans). FM II

Materials

IBM cards or something similar. felt pens; glue in squeeze bottles; beans; salad macaroni or unpopped popcorn.

Procedures

1. Gather the children around the table. For each child in turn, write a word (usually the child's name) on IBM card in 2-3 inch high caps with a felt pen. Some children may be able to do this step.

2. Trace the first letter with glue.

3. Child then puts beans on glue to make bean letter.

4. Put glue on next letter, or let child do it. If the child puts the glue on, be sure he/she does only one letter at a time and works left to right.

5. Most kids should be able to produce a recognizable letter or word. If necessary, help by nudging the beans into line occasionally. A child who has poor pincer grasp or eye-hand coordination may not produce an identifiable letter. Making only one very large letter may help.

During the project, name the letters and ask each child to name letters ("Have you finished your "B"? What letter are you working on now? Are you ready for glue on your A?" etc?)

Variations

1. Other words might be substtuted for the child's name.

2.To provide practice in fine motor skills, use simple shapes (e.g., flower or animal shapes).
 
3. Have the class make all 26 letters and put them along the wall as a tactile alphabet the children can see and touch - remember additional letters, if it's an alphabet in another language.