Alphabet Fishing

Explicit Instruction/Teacher modeling

• As you are "catching" letters point out physical features of each by tracing and labeling the shape verbally. For example: Look at the uppercase C. It curves from top to bottom.
• You can put a letter on the magnet board and then draw the letter next to it as you draw students' attention to the features of the print.
• Draw or place alphabet letter magnets on the board and say that you're trying to find a letter with a certain shape. Have your students identify the letter you described.
• Invite students to find, name, or identify letters in their name or relevant letters you have already studied.

Guided Practice

• Show students how they can form their "bait" into letter shapes with pipe cleaners.
• Have students practice forming letters with pipe cleaners.
• Show students how to "bait their hook" by hanging their pipe cleaner letter on the paper clip hook.
• Show students how to fish for their letter.
• If a students catches a letter that does not match their "letter worm", tell them to "throw it back" and try again.
• Show students how they can place their letter on a matching letter sheet, basket, or alphabet board.

Independent working time

• Have your students work independently to complete the task, having them lower their hooks into the container of blue filler and magnetic letters.