One of the best ways to encourage literacy in your home is to find meaningful, teachable moments. Writing cards is a perfect opportunity to promote early writing and emergent reading skills. When my mother had foot surgery we decided to create Kid-Friendly Get Well Soon Cards. My children loved taking the time to create special cards for their Grandma. The cards are easy to create using simple items and provide so many learning opportunities. In a classroom setting this activity is a wonderful way to connect with your community perhaps creating cards for a local hospital or a member of the community in need.
WHAT YOU NEED TO CREATE KID-FRIENDLY GET WELL SOON CARDS
colored construction paper
band-aids- these ones come in fun colors!
crayons- this pack always makes kids happy
markers
stapler
AREAS OF DEVELOPMENT ENHANCED CREATING KID-FRIENDLY GET WELL SOON CARDS
empathy
early writing skills
early reading skills
fine motor skills
creativity
artistic expression
Prior to introducing the activity staple or tape two piece of construction paper together. Create a card-making station with the stapled construction paper, markers, crayons and band-aids.
I introduced the activity by telling my children that we were going to make cards for Grandma to help her feel better. My kids loved the idea of using the band-aids to decorate the cards. The fun patterns and colors on the band-aids made them extra special. Peeling the paper off of each band-aid is fantastic for fine motor development. If this is too challenging for your child by all means help your child remove the paper from the band-aids. Give your children the freedom and time to create the cards.
When your child is done decorating the outside of the card write a message on the inside. If your child is independently writing have him write the words, if not have your child say the message out loud and write the words for her as she watches. Writing words for your child known, as dictation, is an important pre-writing skill. It is crucial that your child see print throughout the day in order to make the connection between the spoken and written word. If your child is able to write his own name signing cards is a natural time to practice. My daughters can write the first letter of their names so they wrote that and I wrote their full name underneath. They were so proud of this accomplishment!
Mail your letter or if you are close enough have your children deliver their Get Well Soon Cards. My children were so proud to make their Grandma feel good with their special cards. You can make it extra special by including a jar of our Homemade Granola or maybe a plate of our comforting Biscuits with jam.
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