11/1/01
Question 138
Dear Preschool
Teacher,
I am a nanny for 3 kids ages 1,4, and 9. The 4 year
old Justin was on his second year of preschool when they kicked him
out for crying. So, the parents have asked me to help him. I need some
ideas. He is very hyper active and cannot concentrate on anything
other than video games for very long. We are trying to teach him the
alphabet and to recognize letters. He can do most of this, but can't
put them together in the alphabet. I have made flash cards, but they don't seem to help him. Any ideas to teach
this or anything else would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you.
Need Help Nanny
Dear Need Help Nanny,
One way to teach the alphabet to an active child,
would be to use carpet squares or large plastic alphabet squares. (Just be sure
they are not slippery). Have the 4 year old jump from letter to letter in
order. Have him use other ways to move too. He can jump with two
feet together ( place squares closer together.) Or he can twirl from
letter to letter, etc. Have him say the letter as he touches it.
Have him try to say them faster as he improves. If he has bricks in his
driveway or sidewalk, write the letters in chalk and jump from brick to brick!
Be creative and allow him to move alot!
Jackie
"Ask The Preschool Teacher Staff"
Dear Need Help Nanny,
My son is 3 1/2 and has AD/HD. There are several
issues we had and I finally came across this idea, which has made
him super co-operative: I hang one construction paper ring on the ceiling. For
every success in the target area he receives an additional ring to be attached
to the chain link. When he can touch the chain link (without using a chair of
course, lol!), he gets to buy a special toy. Worked better than sticker charts!
Good luck!
Heide
"Ask The Preschool Teacher Staff"
Dear Need Help Nanny,
You might try a more "hands on" approach
for him. Write each letter large on a piece of paper, and let him glue on
something that starts with that letter. Aa with aluminum foil balls, Bb
with beans or buttons, Cc with cotton balls, Dd with diamonds or dots, Ee with
eggshells, etc.
You could also do 'marching around the alphabet' with him --
asking him to name the letter he stops on when you stop the music.
Kris P
"Ask The Preschool Teacher Staff"
