Letter A Lesson Plan: Fun Phonics, Craft & Activities for Preschool

Discover an engaging 20-minute lesson plan designed to introduce the letter A to preschoolers and kindergarteners. This fun, hands-on lesson helps kids learn the name, sound, and shape of uppercase 'A' and lowercase 'a' through an interactive letter hunt and an adorable 'Apple A' craft. Perfect for teachers and parents, this early literacy resource includes learning objectives, success criteria, and easy-to-follow differentiation strategies for all learners.

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Lesson Plan: Awesome Letter A Adventure

Subject: Early Literacy

Topic: Introduction to the Letter A (name, sound, and form)

Target Age: 5 years old

Estimated Time: 20 Minutes

Materials Needed

  • A large flashcard or drawing of uppercase 'A' and lowercase 'a'
  • A small object that starts with the letter A (e.g., a real or toy apple, a picture of an ant)
  • Whiteboard or large paper and a marker/crayon
  • For the craft:
    • A pre-cut large uppercase 'A' from construction paper (e.g., brown or red)
    • Red or green paper scraps (or torn pieces)
    • A small green paper leaf shape
    • Glue stick
  • (Optional) A picture book with clear text

Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, the learner will be able to:

  1. Identify the uppercase 'A' and lowercase 'a'.
  2. Make the short /a/ sound, as in "apple."
  3. Find at least one object that begins with the letter A.
  4. Create a craft that reinforces the shape of the letter A.

Success Criteria

"I know I've learned it when I can..."

  • Point to the letter A when I see it.
  • Say "a-a-a" like in "apple."
  • Show you my "Apple A" craft and tell you what letter it is.

Lesson Plan

Part 1: Introduction - Meet Letter A! (3 minutes)

Hook (Engage)

Educator says: "I have a secret sound for you! Listen closely... 'a... a... a...' What does that sound like? It's the sound an ant makes when it sees a giant... A-A-APPLE!" (Show the apple or a picture of one).

Educator says: "That 'a' sound comes from a very special letter. Meet the amazing letter A!" (Show the 'A' and 'a' flashcard).

State Objectives

Educator says: "Today, we are going to be Letter A Detectives! Our job is to:

  1. Learn what Letter A looks like and sounds like.
  2. Go on a hunt for the letter A.
  3. Make our very own amazing Apple A!"

Part 2: Body - The Letter A Adventure (12 minutes)

"I Do": Model the Letter (3 minutes)

Educator says: "My turn to be the expert! Watch me. This is the big, uppercase A. It looks like a tall mountain. We draw a line up, a line down, and a little bridge across." (Draw a large 'A' on the whiteboard/paper while saying this).

Educator says: "And this is the little, lowercase a. It looks like a circle with a little stick. We make a magic 'c' shape, then go up and back down." (Draw a lowercase 'a' next to the big A).

Educator says: "The letter A makes the 'a' sound, like in a-a-apple and a-a-alligator. Can you open your mouth wide and say 'a' with me?"

(Formative Assessment: Observe if the child attempts to make the sound.)

"We Do": Go on a Letter A Hunt (5 minutes)

Educator says: "Now it's our turn! Let's be Letter A Detectives together. Let's stand up and look around the room for ONE thing that starts with the 'a' sound. I see some... ART on the wall! What can you find?" (Give hints if needed).

Educator says: "Great job! Now let's look for the *shape* of the letter A." (Open a picture book). "Can you help me find a letter A on this page? When you see one, point to it!"

(Formative Assessment: Note whether the child can visually identify the letter shape in print.)

"You Do": Create an "Apple A" (4 minutes)

Educator says: "Now it's your turn to be the artist! You are going to make your very own Apple A. Here is a big letter A." (Hand the child the pre-cut 'A').

Instructions:

  1. "First, let's cover our A with red (or green) apple skin. Use the glue stick to put glue on the A, and then stick on the paper pieces."
  2. "Now, let's add a green leaf to the top, just like a real apple!"

(While the child works, ask questions: "What letter are you decorating? What sound does it make?")

(Summative Assessment: The completed craft serves as a physical representation of learning the letter's shape. The child's ability to name the letter while working shows understanding.)

Part 3: Conclusion - Awesome A Recap (5 minutes)

Review Key Points

Educator says: "Wow, look at your amazing Apple A! Let's show it off. Hold it up high!"

Ask recap questions:

  • "What was the name of our letter today?" (A)
  • "What sound does it make?" (a-a-a)
  • "Can you show me with your finger how to draw a big A in the air?" (Up, down, across!)

Reinforce & Close

Educator says: "You were a fantastic Letter A Detective today! You found it, you said its sound, and you made it into a beautiful piece of art. We can hang this up to remember our awesome Letter A adventure. All day today, let's see if we can spot any more letter A's!"

Differentiation

  • For Learners Needing More Support (Scaffolding):
    • Practice tracing the letter shape with a finger in sand, shaving cream, or on a textured card.
    • Provide pre-glued areas on the 'A' craft for easier sticking.
    • Focus only on the uppercase 'A' and its sound to avoid confusion.
  • For Learners Needing a Challenge (Extension):
    • Challenge the child to write the letters 'A' and 'a' on their own on the whiteboard.
    • Brainstorm a list of other words that start with 'A' (astronaut, anchor, animal).
    • Introduce the long 'A' sound (like in 'ape' or 'acorn') and discuss how one letter can make two sounds.

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