8 comments:   
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. mudpiemamaJanuary 28, 2013 at 2:32 PM

    This is such a great idea - thank you!!

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    1. Anne GardnerJanuary 28, 2013 at 3:04 PM

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

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  2. UnknownFebruary 16, 2013 at 3:55 PM

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

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  3. Anne GardnerFebruary 16, 2013 at 5:50 PM

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

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  4. UnknownFebruary 17, 2013 at 8:35 AM

    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!

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    1. Anne GardnerFebruary 17, 2013 at 8:59 AM

      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

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  5. Teacher Treasure HunterFebruary 25, 2013 at 12:16 AM

    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!

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  6. AnonymousMarch 4, 2013 at 12:16 PM

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

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