Age Group: Preschool (3-5 years)
Learning Outcome:
– Develop phonological awareness by recognizing and identifying alphabet sounds
– Engage in active outdoor play while learning
– Foster curiosity and exploration
– Promote teamwork and social interaction
– Enhance gross motor skills
Materials Needed:
– Large alphabet cards (A to Z)
– Clipboard and paper for recording
– Outdoor space (playground, park, or designated area)
– Optional: Binoculars, magnifying glasses, or other exploration tools
Activity Steps:
1. Introduction (5 minutes):
Gather the children and explain that they are going on an exciting Alphabet Sound Safari outdoors. Show them the large alphabet cards and briefly review the sounds associated with each letter.
2. Alphabet Sound Hunt (20 minutes):
Scatter the alphabet cards around the outdoor space, ensuring they are easily visible and accessible. Explain that the children’s mission is to find the cards and match them with objects or items in the environment that begin with the corresponding sound. Encourage the children to use their listening skills and phonological awareness to identify the sounds.
3. Outdoor Exploration (15 minutes):
Provide each child with a clipboard and paper. Instruct them to draw or write down the letter they find on the card, along with the corresponding object they discover. Encourage them to explore the outdoor area and work collaboratively with their peers to find as many matches as possible.
4. Group Discussion (10 minutes):
Regroup the children and discuss their findings. Ask each child to share one letter they found and the object or item they matched it with. Encourage them to explain why they made that connection.
5. Alphabet Relay Race (15 minutes):
Divide the children into two or more teams. Set up a relay race course with cones or markers. Each team member takes turns running to a designated point where a set of alphabet cards is placed. They must quickly identify the sound on the card, find an object that matches the sound in the outdoor environment, and return to their team to hand off the card. The next team member repeats the process. The team that completes the relay race first wins.
6. Alphabet Sound Reflection (5 minutes):
Gather the children in a circle and reflect on the activity. Ask questions like:
– Which letter was the easiest to find? Why?
– Did you discover any new words during the Alphabet Sound Safari?
– How did it feel to work as a team during the relay race?
7. Closing (5 minutes):
Summarize the Alphabet Sound Safari experience and praise the children for their efforts and participation. Reiterate the importance of recognizing alphabet sounds and how it helps with reading and communication.
Extensions:
– Create a class alphabet book with the objects and items discovered during the Alphabet Sound Safari. Each child can contribute a page, featuring their letter, the corresponding object, and an illustration.
– Encourage children to continue exploring alphabet sounds during outdoor playtime or on nature walks, finding objects that match different letters.
Note: Ensure the outdoor area is safe and appropriate for the children’s age group, and supervise them closely throughout the activity.
Easel Education 