Fun with Leaf Letters

We are well into the school year now – routines are in place, a daily consistent schedule is being followed, students are building independence – which leads us to now finding engaging activities during that said independent time – to keep our students focused on the task at hand!

For our earliest readers right now, most are working with letters and sounds to solidify those skills into early blending and eventually readers!

This fun fall leaf-themed activity (perfect for September – November) focuses on the first 12 letters learned in a strong phonics curriculum. {This activity includes the first 12 letters introduced in UFLI scope and sequence}

This activity can easily be introduced whole group through a fun call-back activity! Select a letter and students can quickly say the sound aloud or with a partner. You can then place the activity into a center/station and students can repeat the same process independently, now being able to complete the included recording sheet.

Students will simply select a letter (these can be placed into a pocket chart, upside down on the table, or even in a fun sensory bin (as pictured above). Color in the matching letter on the recording sheet and then identify and color in the picture that begins with that sound. Letter identification and beginning sounds in one fun fall activity – yes please!

When you include too many letters within a center or activity – it can quickly become frustrating for students who have not yet mastered all letter identification and/or sounds. By being intentional with your selection – you can focus on specific skills and ensure students are truly independent in their activity. This also allows you to spiral back through your scope and sequence to review and solidify these letters and sounds.

You may also notice only lowercase letters are included in this activity! Did you know that 89% of print we read and are exposed to – is lowercase text? Students struggle with lowercase letter identification far more than uppercase – so being intentional with lowercase letters is key 😉

Want to grab this activity for your students? Just click the picture below or click HERE!

Want alternative ideas for this activity?!

• use only the leaf letters. Students will select a leaf letter and write that letter 3-5 times for formation practice.
• use only the leaf letters. Students will select a leaf letter and write the matching uppercase letter.
• use only the leaf letters. Students will select a leaf letter and illustrate their own picture that begins with that sound.

Let the engagement begin!