home
back to Mission Control
| Printing Review |
This is a good time to check on the integration of the alphabet into the imagination bank. Anyone can be the alphabet caller for this activity. In fact, it may be appropriate to have the caller change after every 5 (or more) letters, to give more participants a chance. Students can also analyze each other's compositions, to learn to be critical of their own work. |
| Upper Case Alphabet |
ACTIVITY: Have one person call the letters s l o w l y, giving everyone enough time to complete each letter as it is called. Invite the students to place a dot above any letter about which they have any uncertainty or hesitation. ANALYSIS: Check for consistent height of letters, placement on the line and any dots that have been made. Note whether the letters above which a dot was placed are accurate. |
| Lower Case Alphabet |
ACTIVITY: Follow the same routine as for the upper case alphabet. ANALYSIS: Check for accuracy in the relative sizes of the letters and of placement on the line. There may still be reversals or confusion about certain letters, often b, d, j, k, p, q, or z. As above, pay attention to any dots that have been placed over the letters. |
| Note |
CHECK GRIP: Pay attention to the grip the student is using. Is the pencil being supported effectively? Is the student pressing so hard that the page (from underneath) has been raised from the pressure? If so, suggest that the student hold the pencil as if it is the neck of a baby bird that needs to be held firmly enough to be supported but gently enough to be safe. |