How to Make Sandpaper Letters
Sandpaper letters are an excellent learning tool for children learning letter recognition, phonics and spelling. This multi-sensory approach to learning letters is a tool derived from Montessori education; however, it is an effective choice in any classroom, daycare center or home. Make your own sandpaper letters easily and inexpensively for your own child or for a classroom full of children.
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Things You'll Need
- Computer and printer
- 120-grit sandpaper
- Craft knife
- Cutting board
- Tape
- Glue
- Index cards in pink and blue
Instructions
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1
Print out letter templates (see Resources). Traditional Montessori sandpaper letters are cursive; however, you can opt for cursive or print letters for your sandpaper letters. Choose the letter form taught in your school.
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2
Place sandpaper onto a self-healing cutting mat. Lay the paper template on top of the sandpaper. You may find it helpful to use tape to secure the sandpaper and template to the cutting mat at the corners. You can also cut out and trace individual letters onto the back of the sandpaper to cut out if you prefer; however, do keep in mind that you must trace the letters back to front so the letter will be correctly oriented when cut out of the sandpaper.
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3
Cut each letter out of sandpaper using a craft knife. You may find it easier to cut away the inside of each letter first, then the outside lines. Set aside each letter as you complete it until you finish cutting the entire alphabet.
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4
Glue the sandpaper vowels to blue index cards using standard white glue, a PVA glue or a glue stick. Glue the consonants to pink index cards.
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Allow children to trace the letters with their fingers, use the letters to form words or combine the letters to practice diphthongs and phonics.
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Tips & Warnings
Use the same method to make felt letters for a different sensory learning experience. Make quick letters by drawing the letter onto a card with white glue and sprinkling liberally with sand.
