Preschool Alphabet Games – U is for United States

We’re on letter “U” in our preschool alphabet games. This week “U” is for under, umbrella, underware and things.

I’ve been asked by a few moms how long it takes to do these activities. I’d say it’s anywhere from five to fifteen minutes per activity and I only do two or three a day. The rest is free play. Sometimes Peanut will take a real interest in something and spend more time at it, if he does, I let him lead. I’m just trying to introduce him to concepts and make it FUN. 😉

If you are a subscriber to Happy and Blessed Home, you’re only a few days away from receiving a FREE Farm Animals bundle. This new bundle will show up at the bottom of your subscription feed around March 15. To download the FREE Letter “U” printables with this lesson keep reading.

This is our family’s version of a Tot school for my 34 month old son. We’re using a Montessori method of challenging little ones to learn by using their natural tendencies towards learning. You can read more about it on my Preschool Planning Post. On my planning post you can download a FREE planning chart and organizing chart.

A “blank” copy of what the plan looks like.

The purpose of this tool is to help brainstorm new ideas on ways we can implement learning and I’m not using it like a checklist but more like a brainstorming tool. Some of the things we do during the week are also great for learning but were never planned. I think that having tools like this mainly helps me to be more intentional about the time I spend with my little ones.

Peanut loved using colored pencils.

Every day starts with character building and this week we’re focusing on being Under God’s care. The best bible story I’ve found for this is from Genesis where it talks about how God created all living things. We read bible stories every morning before breakfast to make sure we start our days off right.

A hug is a bundle with you inside.

Our Letter “U” set up.

Our set-up for our letter “U” study included flashcards of an umpire, umbrella, umbrella bird, and ukulele. I also drew udos {a Japanese plant}. We use “Hooked On phonics” flash cards and these “Go Fish” flashcards by School Educational Products. If you’re looking for a way to get inspired and organize your preschool activities, please check out my post: Preschool Planning Post.

Our favorite puzzle for teaching Peanut phonetic sounds is the “Sound Puzzle” by Melissa and Doug, click the image for more info.

Our theme for the week is the United States. We spent some time putting together the puzzle and talking about the states. We especially talked about the location of our extended family who live far away.

This is our large floor map of the United States also from Melissa and Doug, I love their stuff which is why I have an icon for them in my sidebar. I recommend you check out their web site. 🙂

Two great books for use when studying the alphabet are: “Eating the Alphabet” by Lois Ehlert and “A is for Apple” by Tiger Tales. “A is for Apple is a great sensory book b/c the letters are hollowed out of cardboard for tracing with your fingers. Great for “feeling” the alphabet. Click the book for more information.

We also talked about the word “under” as in crawling under the barn. The boys enjoyed opening and closing the barn door.

Crawling “under” the barn.

We reviewed the sound the letter “U” makes and talked about the flashcards and the drawings I completed for this lesson. To download a FREE copy of the PDF slides of the Letter “U” click here: “Letter “U”.

More pics from our study of the Letter “U”. 😉

Nugget brushing up on his reading.

Both boys coloring Letter “U” printables.

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Thank you for joining us on our journey through the alphabet. For me the letter “U” reminds me that we are under God’s care. I’m so glad that He’s in control and I’m not. At times, it’s already hard to balance what I have on my plate – I’m so glad the Almighty takes care of the rest.

In His Grip,