This activity has been revised and was originally created by Mary Jane Clark and published in the Perkins Activity and Resource Guide (1st edition, 1992). The second edition is available for purchase.
As an early literacy activity, this activity works on letter recognition and alphabetical order, while honing the fine motor pincer grasp. Lessons include English Language Arts and Orientation & Mobility.
Clothespins
Clothesline that can be strung across the classroom
Glue
Alphabet cards
String a clothesline across the classroom wall at the students’ level (do not string the clothesline across the center of the room).
Glue alphabet cards to the clothespins, placing one letter (print or braille) on each clothespin.
Have the student put the alphabet on the clothesline in order.
Have the student choose the letter that matches the initial consonant or final consonant sound in each word presented orally.
For math reinforcement, place numbers on clothespins and have the student place them in order.
For recognition of functional signs, place pictures of survival signs/words (stop, exit, up, open, enter). The student finds the sign requested by the teacher and places it on the clothesline.
Place pictures of clothes, household objects, animals, etc. Have the student choose items that are in the same category and hang them on the clothesline.