Alphabox - free Australian early literacy resource
My son Phoenix was born in 2010 and is such a delight. I am privileged and challenged to be a WAHM (Work At Home Mum) in Australia. Thanks to my own mum looking after Phoenix two days per week, I am able to run Greenslade Creations. This year Phoenix will be going to daycare for an additional two days per week, giving me four full days to work. In my spare time I love coming up with new things to do with Phoenix. Like most toddlers, he has an active mind and loves me to read to him, sing to him and talk with him. Sometimes I run out of things to say, so I decided to put together a set of alphaboxes to use as multi-sensory teaching and interacting prompts.
I have 26 boxes 310x225x102mm each with a letter of the alphabet sign and pictures of things starting with that letter. Inside the box are all sorts of things starting with that letter from cards, books and nursery rhymes to physical objects and even non-perishable food items. The idea is to use all the senses to teach ABCs and to develop language, rhyming and a host of other skills while having fun.
The concept behind Alphaboxes is having a quick, easy way to engage all the senses while talking about letters and sounds. Language development begins in the cradle with parents singing and talking to their babies. It continues as part of the world children live in, but we can always help them along and expand their vocabulary, knowledge and understanding of words using all the senses as well as body actions.
The cost of the materials and the time it takes to put my alphaboxes together means I would have to charge at least $200 for a full set of 26 (A-Z), so instead of trying to sell this I am making it free.
Click here to download the full alphabet sign set and instructions for putting together the boxes. You are welcome to use these signs any way you like for non-commercial purposes. If you have any ideas for things to put in the boxes or any business suggestions please contact me.
