Ok, I'm cheap. I found these awesome alphabet sound tubs (beginning sound) and then had a mild panic attack after realizing I would have to give up 30 venti lattes in order for it to happen. Here are the 'shmancy-fancy' Lakeshore ones I drool over:
Lakeshore Alphabet Sound Teaching Tubs $149.00
Here is my swanky version (minus the magnetic letters that aren't pictured):
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EASY to make!
Click the image to go to the source and get more info.
- $5 at the Dollar Tree for the little tubs (or you can get bigger/nicer ones).
- Print out some letters or use stickers and tape them on with the wide clear packing tape (I love that tape).
- Then beg, steal, find, search, etc. for things to go into the boxes. You have to get creative. I even drew a picture of an alligator for the 'A' box.
- Some things I found: cotton ball (C), crayons for the colors (yellow=Y), glue, mini animals, car, truck, dice, q-tip, lipstick, paperclip, ticket, rubberband, mini-marker, eraser, chalk, dollhouse/Barbie things, Polly Pocket accessories, mini themed buttons (you can get these at a craft store), etc.
- Make sure you introduce the boxes/containers slowly. Maybe a couple a day or when you do the letter intros. I can only imagine what would happen if you let the kids.... oh wait... huge mess, ate lunch while I re-sorted all 3,000 little toys. {first year of teaching}
- This is great for a center. Dump all of the objects into a big tub/bowl and have the kids sort.
- Create little labels (word strips/word mats) for the kids to match to the objects. Have them draw a picture of it.
- Realize that they might sort them completely different than you imagined. I had a student put the Zebra in the 'S' box. Once I asked why (thinking he had difficulty with the S/Z sounds) he said, "Mrs. Hughes it has STRIPES!!!" Ok.
- Warning: If you leave the tubs in your car (accidentally) and you happen to live where it may or may not get above 100 degrees (Phoenix) then the crayons will melt and cover whatever is in that tub. And maybe even the carpet in your car.
Click the image to go to the source and get more info.
 The Virtual Vine  Significant Noise  PreK Pages... How cute are these eggs!?  Elaine Ng Friis |  Teaching Treasures (for purchase)  The Learning Curve   Peacefulmann Language Links Ok. I nearly peed my pants seeing the ones above. Bead or tackle box? Look at those cute tiny little things! I think they're the little mini buttons you can buy at Michael's/Hobby Lobby (pack of ~10 different items)? Too cute!!! |
Where can I get little tiny items though?
- Michael's, Hobby Lobby, Toy Store, Oriental Trading, hardware store, your local fairgrounds, the street, a circus, the trash, your kid's room, underneath couch cushions, the bathroom, etc. Seriously people. Anywhere. Be on the lookout for tiny things. You'll be amazed what you find.
- Make a new class rule: You bring toys to school = I get them for my alphabet boxes
Different Roads to Learning $49.95
She doesn't need all of those accessories.
Enjoy! Let me know if you already have one or plan on making a set!
Ashley
Ashley
