Chunks of Mangos for /ch/

Avoid using an oven in the summer heat. Eat chunks of fresh fruits and vegetables instead. Chunks are just cubes. Chunks of fresh produce can prove a delicious support to /ch/. My favorite chunked fruit are mangoes. They make excellent smoothies; they can be thrown in with spinach and green onions for a salad; and

Be a Puppeteer

Connect /p/ sound with puppets – which come in all shapes and sizes. I first looked for ideas for finger puppet crafts. Then I found “Wiggly Worm Puppets” on blogger Debbie Chapman’s “one little project AT A TIME…” The string puppet craft is made out of pom poms and popsicle sticks. Chapman said the craft

Make a Kaleidoscope for /k/

Make a kaleidoscope to celebrate the “k” says /k/ sound. Check out “DIY Kaleidoscope” using household items and these directions from the blog “That’s What Che Said.” You can also purchase and build your own kaleidoscope with the “Kaleidoscope Play” kit from KiwiCo. The company prides itself basing their science, technology, art, and math kits

Easy Jellyfish Craft for /j/

Try this “Paper Bag Jellyfish” craft to connect to /j/. All that’s needed is a lunch paper bag, paint, googly eyes, scissors, and glue. Check it out on the blog “No Time for flash cards.” After the pretty simple instructions with photos, there are few ocean-themed picture books recommended you can read. Interested in tutoring

Igloos in the Summer?

  It’s too hot this time of year to be outside. Think cold…. Think igloos for short /i/. Turn a milk jug into an igloo with “Inuit & Igloo Crafts.” The directions are simple with pictures – parents should assist with cutting the milk jug. Craft materials like cotton balls and glue are needed. Every

Turkey Crafts – not just for November

I love the activity “Thankful Turkey Kid Craft and Book” from the blog “The Resourceful Mama.” This could be a great /t/ connection. If it’s not November, you could still do this activity – instead of writing on feathers what you’re thankful for, you could write words that begin with “t” or just practice writing

Hovercraft Basics with /h/

“How to Make a Hovercraft” is a fun science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) project to connect to the /h/ sound. It’s also a great way to recycle those blank CD-ROMs you found hiding in your closet. Check it out at “Relentlessly Fun, Deceptively Educational!” Interested in tutoring or know a parent who’s looking for

When Life Hands You the /l/ Sound

Connect /l/ to lemons! I’m lucky to live in a neighborhood of citrus trees and every year, my neighbors give away free fruit before it drops to the ground. This year I planted my own lemon tree so I can enjoy the wonderful, energizing smell of fresh lemons. Check out this “Lemon Poppyseed Muffin” recipe

Making Mittens for Math and /m/

What better way to tie in the sound /m/ but with math? The following math activities are using mittens. Check out “Learning with Mittens” from the blog “Learning and Teaching Preschoolers.” Interested in tutoring or know a parent who’s looking for a reading tutor? Might I offer some suggestions for helping your child make progress

The Power of Garlic and /g/

Garlic is an aromatic, flavorful food with powerful medicinal properties. I have at least two heads of garlic in my house for all of those reasons. Connect /g/ to “garlic” in the recipe “30-Minute Roasted Garlic Cauliflower Chowder” from the blog “Simply Quinoa.” Another garlic idea: you could roast a head of garlic, then smear