I love teaching with magnetic letters, especially during word work at guided reading. I also use magnetic letters at the following work stations:
- Word Work
- Sight Words
- Spelling
- iPads
My favorite magnetic letters are from
Lakeshore Learning because they have the vowels in red. They can be purchased as an individual set for about $9 or you can get a classroom set that has 240 letters for about $45.
My biggest issue is how to keep them organized. I have found that each workstation needs their own set of letters. Depending on the goal of the work station, I may change out how students are working with letters. For example, if it is for a group of students that is still struggling with their letters and sounds, I always make sure that the letters are organized. This container can be found at a craft store for about $3. It is study and has a lid.
I have also had great luck at work stations using the container that the magnetic letter organizer that comes with the classroom set at
Lakeshore Learning.
If I want students, to have to "search" for letters, I will give them a container. Over the years, I have found that as long as I don't put too many letters in a container without a lid, they stack just fine. Many times I can find cute ones at the Dollar Store that are 4 for $1!
Then for small group guided reading, I don't want students to have all the letters at once because it is too overwhelming. I found these containers from Glad work perfect! The students love the Frozen and Star Wars theme! I specifically pick the letters I want for word work each week. This way word work time is used efficiently. I have a fifth grade volunteer that helps me with this on Fridays.
