Alphabet > Letter I (short I) > I is for Icicle
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Here are printable materials and some suggestions to present letter I (long i sound).
Science > What is an icicle?
Ask children what they think is an an icicle.
An icicle is a pike of ice formed by the freezing of dripping water.
Alphabet Activity: Alphabet Letter I is for Icicle
Present and display your option of printable materials listed in the materials column.
Explain that the word icicle exhibits the long i sound. The long i sound is the same as the name of the letter I. This is also true of all long vowel sounds.
* Finger and Pencil Tracing:
Trace letter I's in upper and lower case with your finger as you also sound out the letter. Invite the children to do the same on their coloring page (first presentation) or handwriting practice worksheet. Encourage the children to trace the dotted letters with your choice of sharpened crayon, fine tip marker, coloring or regular pencil and demonstrate the direction of the arrows and numbers that help them trace the letter correctly. During the demonstration, you may want to count out loud as you trace so children become aware of how the number order aids them in the writing process.
*Find the letter I's: Have the children find all the letter I's in upper and lower case on the page and encourage them to circle or trace/shade them first. Visit each child to make sure they have identified the letter I's and then discuss the locations with the poster.
Coloring Activity: Encourage the children to color the image in the coloring page or worksheet.
Letter I words (long i sound): Letter I Activity Worksheet and Mini Book (long I sound) This page and matching mini book can be used as part of Letter I program of activities to reinforce letter practice and to identify related letter i words. Read suggested instructions for using the worksheet and mini-book.
Discuss other letter I words and images: First 'brainstorm' and ask the children about other words that have that beginning sound and write them on a board (dry erase board) as the children come up with example. You can print letter I in a different bright color to make it stand out. If you have illustrated alphabet books you can also use images in them. You can also display other I posters and coloring pages or even make a letter I classroom book using coloring images or color posters. Visit Letter I Printable Materials to make your choice.
Advanced independent handwriting practice:
Print your choice of lined-paper, or drawing and writing paper to draw icicles and practice handwriting letter I independently.
*coloring and writing materials
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