I wrote the letters of the alphabet on construction paper shapes (squares, triangles, diamonds, hearts, and not-really-round circles). Our construction paper stock needs replenishing, so I I only used yellow and orange for colors, which if you try it, I would recommend a better variety of colors.
I asked Kay if she wanted to play Alphabet Hide-and-Seek, to which she was enthusiastic. She hid in the bathroom while I hid the pieces of paper, taping some to the wall, attaching some with magnets, leaving others in obvious places and still others more well-hidden. I heard her in her hiding spot reciting the alphabet as if she were practicing. Then she came out and easily found the pieces and put them in the basket she carried, complaining that this was too easy, and then asking for hints when she was stuck. After she found them all, I helped her put them in order.
This is where it ended badly. She got frustrated when she couldn't find the letters she was looking for quickly enough, and I probably should have put it all away sooner than I did. It's a fine line between teaching them to deal with frustration and letting them get too upset, and I haven't found that balance, and definitely missed it on this day. Fortunately, she wasn't overly traumatized. Ten minutes later she was giggling at some silly rhyme she made up. (Don't you just love how quickly kids can get over some things?)
I still like this idea, but I've put it away for now.
This is where it ended badly. She got frustrated when she couldn't find the letters she was looking for quickly enough, and I probably should have put it all away sooner than I did. It's a fine line between teaching them to deal with frustration and letting them get too upset, and I haven't found that balance, and definitely missed it on this day. Fortunately, she wasn't overly traumatized. Ten minutes later she was giggling at some silly rhyme she made up. (Don't you just love how quickly kids can get over some things?)
I still like this idea, but I've put it away for now.