Tactile and Kinetic Letter Formation with Pipe Cleaners

 

 

Sometimes learning is approached on such a one dimensional level. Teachers speak information and kids are supposed to regurgitate that knowledge on to paper. Problem is, that doesn’t always translate into kids grasping concepts.

My boys are just getting started in the world of “formal” education. But I’ve already seen a huge difference in what they retain if I engage as many of their senses as possible.

We’ve been working on letter formation with my son. He can recognize all his letters, but can’t make them without an example to follow. By using one common craft supply, I was able to get Loopy using his tactile and kinetic senses while forming letters. It’s simple!

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Supplies:

Pipe Cleaners

Cardboard

Sticker

Scissors

Instructions:

To make every capital letter, all you need is large and small straight lines and large and small half circles. Use the pipe cleaners and the scissors to make a couple of each type. (Note, I had trouble making my half circles be to the same scale as the straight lines. I should have combined two pipe cleaners to do the larger half circles.)

Next, cut a rectangular piece of cardboard that would roughly be as tall as a large straight pipe cleaner, and as wide as your shorter straight pipe cleaner. (An “H” is a good way to measure.) Place a small sticker in the top left corner to remind kids where to start as they form letters. This will help them not to reverse things as well.

Have fun teaching your kids how to create letters with these easy to make, fuzzy little manipulatives.

This post is part of a great series on ways to use common craft supplies to help your kids to learn! No fancy materials or curriculum required!