Literacy - Ages 3-5

This idea is a good way to enhance speaking and listening skills and can be used as an introduction or time filler.

Use a telephone prop from the home corner. The children sit in a circle. Mention that you are playing a game and that they have to listen to guess who the caller wants to say hello to today. For example, you might say: “He is in the circle group. His name begins with a H.” Give more visual clues or information if necessary until the class guesses correctly.

The child in question can say hello on the phone or if they are too shy you can just continue the game. This can be changed from a phone to a toy or puppet. For older children it can be used as a tool for a foreign language lesson.

Cindy Silvester is a primary supply teacher in Rochdale, Greater Manchester.