On this particular day we learned about the short and long 'A' sounds. Before you begin the activity, explain to your child that the letter 'A' makes two different sounds. Demonstrate the sounds that the long and short 'A' make and give some examples of each to make sure they understand.
Then you are ready to proceed.
Step 1: Tape several hand-drawn, or cut-out pictures of things that have either the short 'A' or long 'A' sound in them, to the window.
Step 2: Hand child a gun. Preferably one with soft darts.
Step 3: Have them aim and shoot at one of the pictures. If they hit a picture with the dart, have them take the picture off the window and tell you whether the word has a short 'A' sound or a long 'A' sound.
Step 4: Have them put the pictures that have the short 'A' sound in one pile, and those with the long 'A' sound in another pile.
Step 5: Do it all over again, until all pictures have been collected.
Safety goggles are recommended.
