Games to Play with the Montessori Sandpaper Letters

Some children benefit from a traditional three-period Montessori lesson when learning their sounds with the sandpaper letters. Others require a little more interaction with the sounds, in different ways. These are some simple learning games that can be played with the sandpaper letters, to facilitate the child's learning of the sounds.

I Spy

This twist on a classic children's game is meant for a child working in the second period of learning her sounds.

1. Choose 3-5 sandpaper letters.

2. Name their sounds as they are laid out on the work area.

3. Identify one of the sounds for the child to point out. "I spy the sound /s/."

4. Continue until all sounds have been identified.

If the child is doing well with this activity, add a few more sounds. If she is missing some, do not correct her. Simply put the game away, and review the sounds in a lesson the next day.

A variation on this game is to have the child "spy" the sounds.

Put the Sound On.....

This is a game for a child who working in the second period of learning his sounds.

1. Choose 3-5 sandpaper letters.

2. Name their sounds as they are laid out on the work area.

3. Ask the child to put the sound in different places, either on his person or around the room. "Put /l/ in your lap." "Put /t/ on the table." "Put /f/ on your foot." "Give /d/ to Daniel." "Hand me the /m/."

It helps to associate the sound with its requested location. To make the activity more challenging, mix up the sounds.

If a child picks up an incorrect sound, do not correct him. Make a note of which sounds need to be reviewed at a later time. Conduct the lesson again the next day.

A variation on this game is for the child to give the directions.

Knock, Knock, Who Am I?

This is a game for a child who is working in the third period of learning her sounds.

1. Choose 3-5 sandpaper letters.
2. Name their sounds as they are laid out on the work area.
3. Turn them all face down.
4. Knock on the back of one of the sandpaper letters and say, "Knock, knock, who am I?"
5. Turn the letter over and identify its sound.
6. Turn the letter face down again, and the next person takes a turn.

If the child gives the wrong sound, do not correct her. Simply make a note of it and review the sound at a later time. Or, on a subsequent turn, choose that letter and give the correct sound.

These games to play with the Montessori sandpaper letters are designed to give the child an alternative way to learn his sounds. He will show enjoyment on his way toward mastery as he initiates the game with his friends.