Let's Make an I-Spy Bottle!
Our I-Spy bottle is perfect for learning, motor skills & play! In this BLOG post I will teach you what they are, how to make them & the benefits of using them.
Head to our Instagram page to see more ways to learn & play at home or in the classroom! We love to see you play & share the joy of hands-on crafts & activities at home. Be sure to tag @aplayfilledlife on Instagram or Facebook if you try any of our ideas!!
XO Gina
Materials:
Plastic bottle with a cap
Un-cooked rice (you can dye it- directions HERE or leave it white)
Letter beads
How- to:
Sort out the alphabet beads, making sure to have at least one of each letter. Depending on the size of your jar, you can add a few of each!
Pour in the rice, filling the jar to just below the cap. You want space the letter beads & the rice to move around.
Secure the cap. If you do not have a self-sealing bottle/cap & you are concerned about it being opened, you can put a thin layer of hot glue around the rim, then twist the cap on tight.
Shake it up well & you are ready to learn & play!
What is a phonics?
Phonics is the understanding that spoken sounds (phonemes) can be represented by written letters (graphemes). Phonics connects the ability to hear & produce the individual sounds in words to written language. It is the basis for decoding.
How should you use the I-Spy bottle?
Use the bottle as a sensory tool. Shake, twist & move it around. Observe the colors, sounds & how all the letters look.
Practice identifying letter names. Move the I-Spy bottle around & point to each letter as you say its name. Add in the sounds, as well, as you play!
Write down the lowercase letters on a piece of paper. Point out a lowercase letter on the paper & have the child find the uppercase match in the bottle.
Point out a letter in the I-Spy bottle & brainstorm words that have the same beginning sound.
What are the benefits?
Hands-on learning activities provide children with an opportunity to make connections to what they are learning.
As they strengthen letter-sound correspondence, they are increasing their fluency, which leads to them being stronger readers.
Activities like this are fun, portable & engaging for kids! They can be differentiated in so many ways!
Sensory bottles can also be calming! Incorporating mindfulness activities into your daily learning routine can help to increase focus, attention & academic success.
Check it out in action: https://www.instagram.com/reel/CzpqRAGsfwE/?hl=en
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