One thing I LOVE about homeschooling is that I know my children. Yes, I knew about the kids in my classroom, but nothing like I know my own children. I know their likes, their dislikes, their quirks…their PASSIONS. Building is a passion of ALuv’s. Between his marble run, Lincoln Logs, multiple sets of blocks & Legos, gears, Wedgits, and his GeoTrax system, he builds all the time! I tell him constantly that God has designed his mind so wonderfully that he can build like he does.
Here’s a recent track layout he designed. And, as usual, it’s been modified and added to since this photo!
So…when I came across this idea came from Crafty Homeschool, I just knew it would right up his alley! I posted about it on my FB page last week and we did it with ALuv’s sight words this week. Oh, what fun he had! We’ll have to add it in our rotation of activities we do with our sight words.
First, we looked at the word wall and picked about 25 sight words to type on my label maker. ALuv enjoyed this part! (You could adapt this if you don’t have a label maker and print the words on small pieces of paper.)
We printed them out, cut them apart and layed them in the grooves of the track.
He started one of the remote control trains. The goal was for him to beat the train and say the word before the train ran over it. If he read the word correctly, I picked it off the track. If he missed a word, I read the word and he would have to remember it for the next time around.
So, if you have a child at your house whose passion is being a train engineer, you might just want to try doing something like this, too. Choo-Choo!
Remember to check out Carisa’s list for more Word Play!
I am flattered by your post and very glad your son enjoys it as much as mine. I have enjoyed reading your blog, you have some great ideas.
Thanks. I just knew as soon as I saw your idea that we’d HAVE to do it. I’m glad you have enjoyed reading my blog. I enjoy doing it. Gives me an outlet for writing and sharing ideas. Thanks for the comment and encouragement.
Love this strategy!!! After teaching second grade and EIP for 30 years, I am still looking for great ideas for my grandchildren who are just beginning to read!!!
It’s always most fun to learn through play, no matter our age! 🙂