Introduce the letter A through multisensory exploration, enabling the student to recognize its shape and sound and identify it in tactile and visual contexts.
Engaging non-verbal learners with multisensory strategies builds foundational literacy by reinforcing letter recognition through sight, touch, and sound, supporting diverse learning needs.
Audience
Non-verbal learners receiving individualized Tier 3 literacy support
Time
10 minutes
Approach
Use tactile, visual, and auditory cues to teach letter A.
Materials
Session 1 Slide Deck, - Letter A Tactile Card, - Sensory Sand Tray, - Picture Cards of A-Words, and - Whiteboard and Marker
Show each Picture Card of A-Words, pronounce the word clearly, emphasizing the /a/ sound
Encourage the student to touch the picture when they feel the /a/ sound is present
Step 5
Wrap-up and Reinforcement
1 minute
Present a final Picture Card (e.g., apple) alongside the letter A on the Whiteboard
Trace the letter A once more on the board; guide the student’s hand if needed
Provide a simple thumbs-up or partner-assisted acknowledgment for participation
Slide Deck
Session 1: Exploring the Letter A
Let’s explore the letter A through touch, sight, and sound!
Welcome the student and build excitement. Introduce today’s focus: the letter A. Use a warm, encouraging tone and point to yourself and the student when saying ‘I’ and ‘You.’
Sensory Warm-up
• Explore the Sensory Sand Tray freely
• Press objects (e.g., picture cards) into the sand to feel their shapes
• Use partner assistance or gestures to guide exploration
Guide the student’s hands to the Sensory Sand Tray. Encourage free exploration before demonstrating pressing objects into the sand. Use simple gestures or partner assistance for non-verbal prompts.
Visual Introduction to ‘A’
[Image: Large uppercase A and lowercase a]
• Point to each stroke of the letter
• Model tracing with your finger
• Offer the Letter A tactile card for the student to feel and trace
Display a large uppercase A next to a lowercase a. Slowly trace each stroke with your finger, then offer the tactile card for the student to follow. Provide gentle hand-over-hand support if needed.
Tactile Exploration
• Feel the edges and points of the Letter A tactile card
• Trace the letter in the Sensory Sand Tray with your finger
• Reinforce correct tracing with positive feedback
Hand the tactile card to the student. Guide their hand along each edge. Prompt them to trace the letter shape in the sand tray. Provide positive, tactile feedback (e.g., gentle tap on the shoulder) for successful tracing.
Press play to hear the /a/ sound, then touch the pictures that match.
Play the /a/ sound clip. After it plays, hold up each Picture Card of A-Words one at a time, emphasizing the /a/ sound. Encourage the student to touch the picture card when they feel the /a/ sound.
Wrap-up & Reinforcement
• Display final Picture Card (apple) alongside letter A on whiteboard
• Trace the letter A once more; guide the student’s hand
• Provide a thumbs-up or partner-assisted acknowledgment
Show the apple card next to the letter A on the whiteboard. Trace the letter again and guide the student’s hand if needed. Celebrate participation with a thumbs-up or preferred acknowledgment.
