Ms. Rusco's Classroom

Crayola Washable Bathtub Markers

A family recently shared with me that you can purchase Crayola Washable Bathtubmarkers. (Please note you may want to read the reviews - looks like it needs to be cleaned off immediately an only used on smooth bath tubs. I posted a link to Amazon because there's reviews and its faster for me then looking through different websites, but I'm sure you can find them in other places!) It makes it possible for your child to write on the bathtub wall, then splash the wall to clean it off. You could use this tool in many different ways...

Reading and Writing Skills

Reinforcing proper pencil grip when drawing pictures or writing
Practice letter formation

Say a letter name or sound, have them write it
Write a letter, have them write it

Writing their name
Sight Words

you write, they read
you say, they write
they write a sentence using the word

Spelling Words (starting in January and if your child is ready for it)

Say a CVC word like cat, dog, fun - have them tap it and spell it
Write CVC words - have them tap it and read it

Math

Writing numerals
Writing a Math sentence to go with a picture (starting around December and if your child is ready for it)
Drawing pictures to show a given number

Email me or comment below if you have your own suggestions!

Fine Motor Strength

I found this website that has a nice list of ideas to help improve fine motor skills: Therapy Street for Kids. Fine motor skills are important in many aspects of daily life - buttoning buttons, zipping zippers, picking up objects, holding a pencil/crayon, using scissors, etc. This website provides several activities parents can do at home to help your son or daughter develop their fine motor skills.

Some good apps

i Write Words App ($, Free)

This app I think is only available on Apple devices. The lite version is free and is what I use in the classroom sometimes for Centers or giving certain students extra practice. The paid version is $2.99. Students help Mr Crab collect numbers to write letters, write numbers, or spell words. The app comes from www.gigglelab.com. Click here for its' iTunes description.

Here's a screen shot of what the app looks like:

Flashcard Activities

These activities can be done with any type of flash cards...

One set:

Show cards to your kiddo and have them say it's name (or sound).
Sort cards by words they know and don't know.
Tape cards around the house. Have them read the card as they pass by.
Hang from door frames or ceiling - have them jump up and touch words as they read them.

Modify this activity to have them jump up and grab the card

Spread out in a line or curve - have your kiddo read them, then jump or step over them
Hide the cards around the house for them to find, then read
Sort cards by beginning letters / sounds, number of letters, number of syllables.
Attach to a game board, using a dice and game pieces, have your kiddo role the dice and move that many spaces. The space they land on they must read. If they can't, have them go back to where they started.
Have your kiddo make sentences using the flashcards to make sentences
Have your kiddo use the flashcards to build the letter or word using legos, beads, playdough, glue and scrap paper, etc.