Calendar
Alphabet Maze
An alphabet maze asks children to show what they know about print and letters. It works for independent play, adult and child together, or two or more players. For older children, tape down two of each letter and hunt for matching pairs. Or lay letters beside pictures and match each picture to its beginning letter.
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What this looks like in practice
A calendar activity usually starts with the date. Children name the day, then the month, then count how many days have passed. Some children move a marker; others add a sticker to today's square. Teachers say the words out loud, so children hear the pattern of days and months. Parents can ask the teacher what their child does at calendar time.
Calendar time gives children a steady routine they can predict. They learn that words carry meaning and that print runs in a set order. At home, this shows up when a child points to a letter and names it, or asks what a word says. Those small moments build the confidence that comes before reading.