Hidden Letters

Choose 5-7 letters to focus on and write each letter in random order on a piece of construction paper. You might choose the letters in your child’s name or start with the letters that make the most common sounds (the first letters to start with are: s, a, t, p, i, n, c). Next, cut a small square from another sheet of construction paper and write each letter again (this will be a record-keeping card to keep track of which letters you’ve found).

Then, on the same piece of construction paper, add some simple pictures, like a smiley face, a turtle, an apple, a truck, etc. to fill in the extra space. Tape the paper onto the bottom of the tray using painter’s tape so you can see the letters and pictures through the bottom of the tray. Pour a thin layer of a dry sensory base on top. Place the record card and a marker nearby. Use a paintbrush to gently brush the sensory base aside to discover the hidden letters underneath! When a letter is found, say the letter name and sound then mark it on the record card (if this is too challenging for your child, have them point to the letter and you can help mark it). Continue until all the letters have been found!