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Writing letters in a salt tray {101 Ways to Teach the Alphabet}

October 23, 2015 by Katie 2 Comments

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When learning to write their letters, kids can become very frustrated if they make a lot of mistakes. Have you ever worked with a kid who was writing letters on paper and felt he had to erase every letter that wasn’t perfect so he could start over? If the child makes a lot of mistakes, it can definitely be a slow, laborious, and frustrating experience!

So I like letter writing activities that are low-stress when it comes to mistakes. And through my training in Montessori education, I’ve found a few ideas that are really wonderful. Today, in the next installment in my 101 Ways to Teach the Alphabet Series, I’m sharing about writing letters in a salt tray.

Click here if you want more information about teaching the alphabet in a fun, hands-on, and multi-sensory way. 

Writing letters in a salt tray is a Montessori-inspired, low-stress way for kids to practice correct letter formation. Find out why salt trays make it easy for kids to move on when they make a mistake. || Gift of Curiosity

Making a salt tray is simple. Grab any tray and fill it with enough salt to just cover the bottom. It helps if the color of the tray contrasts well with white. (Hint: a baking dish can make a great salt tray!)

101 Ways to Teach the Alphabet: Hands-on, multi-sensory activities for teaching the alphabet to children ages 2 to 7.

Add just enough salt to cover the bottom of the tray. Too much salt will make it difficult for your child’s letters to be seen.

Writing letters in a salt tray is a Montessori-inspired, low-stress way for kids to practice correct letter formation. Find out why salt trays make it easy for kids to move on when they make a mistake. || Gift of Curiosity

Show your child how to write letters in the salt tray using their pointer finger.

Writing letters in a salt tray is a Montessori-inspired, low-stress way for kids to practice correct letter formation. Find out why salt trays make it easy for kids to move on when they make a mistake. || Gift of Curiosity

Salt trays are an awesome and low-stress way to practicing writing letters, because if the child makes a mistake they simply have to give the tray a small shake to “erase” their letter, and then they can try again!

Writing letters in a salt tray is a Montessori-inspired, low-stress way for kids to practice correct letter formation. Find out why salt trays make it easy for kids to move on when they make a mistake. || Gift of Curiosity

Many kids enjoy the feel of the salt beneath their fingers, although some kids with sensory processing challenges may be averse to trying a salt tray.

Writing letters in a salt tray is a Montessori-inspired, low-stress way for kids to practice correct letter formation. Find out why salt trays make it easy for kids to move on when they make a mistake. || Gift of Curiosity

I love salt trays as a quick and easy way to reinforce for my kids the proper way to write a letter. My son struggles with letter reversals (writing letters backwards), so I will sometimes pull out a salt tray and have him quickly practice the correct way to write a letter several times to help build his muscle memory.

Writing letters in a salt tray is a Montessori-inspired, low-stress way for kids to practice correct letter formation. Find out why salt trays make it easy for kids to move on when they make a mistake. || Gift of Curiosity

One thing we haven’t done, but that would make a good extension for kids who are ready to hold a writing instrument, is to practice writing letters in the salt tray using a chopstick or paintbrush rather than a finger. This would allow kids to practice the correct pencil grip while still providing a low-stress way to learn their letters.

Have questions about teaching the alphabet? We’ve got answers! Click here to learn more.

More ways to teach to the alphabet

More alphabet posts from Gift of Curiosity:

  • Letter hunt sensory bin
  • Making letters with straws and play dough
  • Spaghetti letters
  • Letter puzzles
  • Montessori sandpaper letters
  • Making “alphabet soup”
  • Mini letter hunt with a magnifying glass
  • Kinetic sand letters
  • Letter hopscotch
  • Letter hop
  • Yarn wrapped letters
  • Letter tic-tac-toe
  • Rainbow letters


You can find more ways to teach the alphabet on my Literacy Activities for Kids page and my Letter Learning Pinterest board.

Follow Katie @ Gift of Curiosity’s board Learning Letters on Pinterest.

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2 Comments

Comments

  1. Erin @ Nourishing My Scholar says

    October 29, 2015 at 10:42 am

    This is so great! We have sand sensory bins, but I never thought to use them for letter practice! Thanks so much #ALittleBirdToldMe

    Reply
  2. Laurie says

    November 7, 2015 at 5:06 am

    WOW, what a great sensory motor idea! Kids definitely don’t need to pick up a pencil to learn their alphabet. The ABCs of Movement can also be used by parents and teachers as a FUN kinesthetic option to teach children their ABC’s.

    Reply

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