You Can Bulldoze a b - Clearing up b/d confusion

Here's a little trick that helps my kids distinguish b from  d.  Once kids are confident working across a line of text from left to right, they are ready to "bulldoze" from left to right.   (If they need help remembering to start at the left a green sticker, for go, at the left  and a red sticker, for stop, at the right often help.) 

As they approach a b, they will find that you can bulldoze a b.   

Many kids who have started to get frustrated by issues distinguishing b and d really enjoy this activity.    


If kids try to bulldoze a d, it just tips over . . . .
   

Once this activity is introduced in a small group, kids enjoy independently "bulldozing each b" during literacy center time.  
Each time they bulldoze the letter b into a new box they say, "You can bulldoze a b!"   It really sticks with them!   


MatchBox and HotWheels often have small, inexpensive bulldozers available.  This one belonged to my son and I "inherited" it when he grew a bit old for it.  

Many of my kids love this activity.   I hope you find it useful!    

 :)   Anne

P.S. -  Do you have favorite ways to help kids distinguish b and d?  I'd love to hear about them!

8 comments:

  1. This is such a great idea - thank you!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks so much! I am new to blogging and it's exciting to hear from you! Anne

      Delete
  2. I love your Bulldoze a "b." I can't wait to try it with my struggling students! Thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Yvonne, It's nice to hear from you. I hope you find this activity helpful! Anne

    ReplyDelete
  4. This is the best idea I have seen for clearing up b/d confusion! Awesome!!! Now I need to be on the lookout for a little bulldozer. Thanks!

    Stacy
    Live Love Laugh and Teach!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Stacy, Thanks so much! I'm new to blogging and it's great to hear from you. I'm your latest follower at Live, Love, Laugh and Teach. Anne

      Delete
  5. Great idea! I'm going to be on the lookout for a bulldozer. I still have kids who reverse them. My "go-to" one is for them to make a bed with their hands- make a b & d with their fingers and put them together. This one is good because they can do it when they're anywhere. I will definitely be adding the bulldozer idea. What a fun way to practice and I can totally see that sticking with them. Thanks for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
  6. We use that "doorknob comes first in d" and "bat before ball" in b.
    Love the bulldozing!!

    ReplyDelete