Spelling Games and Activities

Connect the Dots to Spelling Success with Letter and Word Dot-to-Dot Puzzles

By Zona B. Taylor

Connect the Dots to Spelling Success with Letter and Word Dot-to-Dot Puzzles

September 4, 2023

Dot-to-dot puzzles are classic kids' activities that boost counting and numerical skills. But did you know letter dot-to-dots can also help improve spelling and reading abilities? By connecting letter sequence puzzles, young children reinforce letter recognition and alphabet order in a hands-on way.

Letter dot-to-dots are an ideal activity for ages 3-6 as children are learning the alphabet. Start with simple A-Z sequencing to solidify the alphabet order. Say each letter out loud as you connect the dots. Then trace the letters together once complete to multisensory learning.

After mastering basic sequences, you can find or create dot-to-dots that scramble the letters. Having to identify and connect random letters strengthens letter knowledge. You can also use dot-to-dots to spell out short words like "cat" or "dog."

Make these puzzles engaging with colored dots and fun letter themes. For an extra challenge, include capital and lowercase letter mixes. Limit puzzles to 10-15 letters max so kids don't lose interest. Increase the length as their abilities improve.

Add an element of fun by using colored pencils to connect dots, then tracing the letters afterward. Saying letter names and sounds while connecting engages audio learning too. Celebrate when your child completes the puzzle for motivation.

With the right level of interactivity and challenge, letter dot-to-dots turn spelling practice into a rewarding game. The letter tracing helps build neural connections for identifying and writing letters and words. So grab some markers, colored pencils, and crayons, and let the dot-to-dot fun connect your child to spelling success!

Encouraging Young Readers through Read Aloud- Read Along Videos

As both an author and a mother, I understand the importance of reading with children. Reading aloud promotes literacy skills, expands vocabularies and imaginations, and strengthens the adult-child bond.

However, we all know that it's not always possible to sit down together with a physical book. That's why I'm excited to announce my new YouTube channel, Read Aloud with Nana, featuring read-along videos of stories for children. 

Itty bitty Kitty-front cover

Itty Bitty Kitty front cover

My first "Read Along with Nana" video features a book I wrote for my grandchildren, "Itty Bitty Kitty at Home." The video allows the child to follow along page-by-page as I read this rhyming story. Children can follow the words and pictures in their own copy or simply listen. 

Hearing and seeing the words helps them associate the written word to the sounds which are crucial for learning to read independently. Videos are also perfect for during car rides when mom or dad are busy driving, but the little ones can still journey together through stories!

In addition to literacy skills, read-aloud videos encourage the joy of reading. Allowing children to actively engage rather than passively watch entertains them while exposing them to new vocabulary, concepts, and more. Please subscribe to my YouTube channel and stay tuned for more of new favorite picture books brought to life through read-along videos!

Reading opens infinite worlds; let’s explore them together.

You can order a copy of "itty Bitty Kitty at Home" here so your child can turn the pages along with the video.