Through phonics instruction, your honeybee will begin to absorb the relationship between abstract letters and the sounds of their spoken language. The correlation between written letters and their respective sounds is known as “the alphabetic principle” and understanding it is one of the essential skills that your honeybee will practice during early literacy.
In addition to practicing literacy skills, it is important that your honeybee participates in sensory activities during early childhood. Sensorial exploration strengthens nerve connections in the brain and allows children to demonstrate literary skills based on their ability. Not only does sensory activities support cognitive growth, but they exercise your honeybee’s fine and gross motor skills and executive function. But, most importantly, they’re just plain fun!
In this activity, your honeybee will participate in sensory play! The goal of this activity is to explore a “sensory bin” while matching objects to their beginning/initial sounds. This activity is recommended for honeybees in Pre-K or Kindergarten.
Here is what you’ll need:
• A large bin or container
• Sensory bin fillers. Examples: sand, shredded paper, dried beans, water, shaving cream, natural wood pellets, dried rice, birdseed, etc.
• Small objects/toys
• Construction paper or index cards
• Sharpies
• Scissors
Time to get our hands slimy and wet! Think of the sounds that match the object! Let’s get to work!
1. Place small toys or objects at the bottom of your sensory bin
2. Determine which material you want to use to fill your bin and then bury toys with material
3. Write letters on index cards
4. Place index cards of your choice next to bin
5. Have honeybee explore their bin and pull out an object
6. Identify the beginning sound to the object and then match with corresponding letter
* Modify activity to your honeybee’s ability! *
Be sure to have conversations about beginning/initial letter sounds. Encourage questions and comments. Remember, every honeybee is different. Letter sounds are tricky and patience is needed.
Use the proper language with your honeybee; they are smarter than you think!
Language to use:
• Beginning/initial sounds
• Letter sounds
• Letters
• Senses
Questions? Comments? Compliments? Leave them BEElow!
The Busy B 