Activity: Like Letter Loops

This activity will help learners to distinguish between letters that are similar in shape and appearance. In Section 10, a worksheet entitled “Like Letter Loops” is provided. Each strip features a letter pair, where the letters look alike. The two lines alternate the letters randomly. (The final strip uses two similarly shaped words). The learner can be asked to circle one or the other of the letters.

The letter m and the letter w

As preparation for this activity, the tutor and learner can develop visual memory clues that will help in distinguishing the letters. For example, since “b” comes before “d,” we can remember that the line is on the left of the loop for “b” and on the right of the loop for “d.”

The letter b and the letter d

More advanced learners can be asked to come up with a word that begins with each letter as they move along each line. The learners may also say the sound the letter makes aloud as they move along each line.

Source:
Shelby McClintock. Idea Book for Volunteer Tutors. State College, PA: Mid-State Literacy Council, 1994, pp. 6-8.