Alpha Rocks

We made some alpha rocks at Camp Mom last week, an idea that has been floating around in my head since I saw this post last summer. We prepared by picking up all of the smoothest pebbles we could find, and giving them a quick wash and dry. Instead of stamping letters on the rocks, however, I decided to show the kids how to use rub-on letters to 'up' the fine motor challenge a notch. (I grabbed the letters for 99 cents at Michaels; I see they're also available here.)

I cut out the individual letters. The kids took each letter, placed it on a rock (shiny side up) and rubbed over the letter with a stick until it "magically" transferred on to the stone. There is a momentary wow! factor which is quite reinforcing. Especially since it takes a bit of effort for little hands to stabilize the small rock in one hand while moving the stick with the other. This requires some coordination, but, once mastered, the kids are off and running. And you can feel great knowing that this kind of coordination also prepares them for other fine motor tasks that require one hand to take the lead while the other hand assists, such as stabilizing the paper while writing, cutting paper with scissors, buttoning and zippering, and so on, and so on.

And once you're done with all of that work you have a great set of alpha rocks which doubles as pretty, playful, and practical decor. Ours are planted on the backyard table right now for some naturally-occurring word play. So. Much. Fun. Especially when you find messages like this one...

This rocked my world the other day. Gotta love it!

Comments

[The Orchard]

I love that idea! thanks for sharing!

[destri]

Oh I love these....the possibilities!

[Stacey]

I think we're going to try this one. Love the whole process, finding the rocks, cleaning them and putting on the letters. Not to mention the beauty.

[liz]

Oh wow, that is like the coolest idea ever! I am going to call my favorite Montessori teacher right now and tell her about it, in fact. Thanks for sharing!

[one perfect day]

This is such an inspiring spot to visit..such a beautiful way to teach and learn.

[Aisformanzana.blogspot.com]

This is wonderful! I've seen rocks with inspirational words on them at craft stores lately and thought it would be great to have some with just letters and what do you know? Someone shows me how!

[Jennifer]

Thanks, Destri! Im so inspired by your blog (www.themotherhuddle.com). Thanks for visiting here!

[alison]

Fabulous idea! Thanks. I think we'll even collect some rocks on vacation so they have some sentimental value too!

[Aimee @ HomeSpun-Threads]

Fabulous idea. I'm featuring and linking to this post at http://onthelap.blogspot.com/ a blog for parents on promoting early literacy. Thanks for the beautiful inspiration.
Aimee

[Funky Mommy]

I LOVE THIS IDEA!!!!!!!!!

[Pawan]

Love it! What a beautiful alternative to magnetic letters. This has classroom project written all over it:)

[Nurun]

I like the idea. Really thoughtful and creative

[Rashmie]

Wow, love this idea! It would be fun to do word formation with these rocks..!

[Jane Maritz]

Love this idea, too! I'm trying to think of an easy way for a 3yo to put letters on the rocks...

[Jennifer]

Try aphabet stickers! You might need to put a clear coat of something like Mod Podge on them (yourself) afterwards, and they may not be totally weatherproof, but it may still work out great. I tried stamping, and, to be honest, my kids found it frustrating because of the uneven surface of the rocks, so I dont think that would be perfect for a 3 y.o.

 

If you try it, let me know how it goes!

[marylea @ Pink and Green Mama]

Love this -- we'll be making a set with our scrapbooking letters and my trusty mod-podge!!

[katherinemarie]

your abcs ROCK this world! :)

[Kimara]

Love this idea. I've seen writing on rocks before, but I love the individual letters. Thanks for sharing. I'll be linking on Facebook

[Nina]

those are great. have you seen the animal rocks (empowerment pebbles) from littlehumbugs.com? my son and I gathered some stones to make but haven't yet...I will certainly look for those stickers, thanks for the idea.

[tiff]

i teach kindergarten and think this would be an absolutely fabulous ABC center! plus we could get outside and collect some smooth rocks...oh the possibilities! thanks for having such an inspirational website...great ideas!

[Christy B.]

Wonderful idea! I believe you just planned my Saturday morning. Thank you.

I would have melted at the message as well. :)

[Alexia]

That is so cool!

[Annie]

Oh mamas, teachers, enjoy this!
I once was a homeschooling mom to 4 sons, I am now gramma to 2 beautiful young girls, whose parents also plan to homeschool them!
My hands can no longer hold and manipulate the scissors to cut the tiny letters but I can make and read the messages from heart to heart.
I will now be with the kids struggling to maneuver my failing fingers to steady the rocks and to press the letters on to them.
Grateful we know The Rock that steadies and stabilizes all our lives, from the early wonder of discovering joy in gaining coordination to the days of dexterous production and round again to feeble fumblings. Hands are a gift; be patient with those who take longer to steward the message from heart to solid sight.

[Amber]

this is such a lovely idea! i made these with my children and shared the idea over on my blog: http://simplychildhood.blogspot.com/2011/01/alpha-rocks.html

thank you so much for the inspiration!

[Astrid]

I love this idea!! We are going on vacation next week - to beaches where we always find plenty of rocks... I'm going to get rub on letters and we will do this whenever we have a rainy day in the tent!! Thanks so much!