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Letter Motion Maker

Run the Letter Motion Maker MicroSim Fullscreen

About This MicroSim

The Letter Motion Maker turns letters into full-body movements, supporting kinesthetic learners and providing movement breaks during literacy instruction. Each letter is paired with a memorable body motion—arms up like a tent for "A," arms crossed for "X." A stick figure demonstrates each pose while spoken instructions guide the movement.

Features

  • 26 Letters: Complete alphabet with unique motions
  • Stick Figure Demo: Animated demonstration of each pose
  • Spoken Instructions: Audio guidance for each motion
  • Progress Tracking: Count of letters practiced
  • Emoji Hints: Visual memory cues for each letter
  • Letter Cards: Large letter display with associated symbol
  • Self-Paced: "I Did It!" button advances after practice

Letter Motions

Letter Motion Symbol
A Arms up in a point like a tent ⛺
B Hands on belly, stick out tummy 🤰
C Curve arms like holding a ball 🏀
M Arms up, hands touch at top ⛰️
O Arms in big circle in front ⭕
T Arms straight out to sides ✝️
X Cross arms in front ❌
Y Arms up in Y shape 🙌

How to Use

  1. See the Letter: View the letter and emoji hint
  2. Read Instructions: See what motion to make
  3. Show Motion: Click to see stick figure demo
  4. Stand Up: Get ready to move!
  5. Make the Shape: Form the letter with your body
  6. Say the Sound: Speak the letter sound while moving
  7. I Did It!: Click to record and advance

Iframe Example

You can include this MicroSim on your website using the following iframe:

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<iframe src="https://dmccreary.github.io/reading-for-kindergarten/sims/letter-motion-maker/main.html"
        height="512px"
        width="100%"
        scrolling="no"></iframe>

Lesson Plan

Learning Objectives

After completing this activity, students will be able to:

  1. Remember: Associate letters with specific body movements
  2. Understand: Explain how letter shapes relate to physical poses
  3. Apply: Perform movements that represent letter shapes
  4. Create: Combine movements to spell simple words

Why Kinesthetic Learning Works

Movement supports letter learning because:

  • Multiple pathways: Engages body memory alongside visual/auditory
  • Active learning: Movement increases engagement and attention
  • Memory encoding: Physical actions create stronger memories
  • Energy release: Provides appropriate outlets for wiggly learners
  • Letter shape awareness: Body positions reinforce letter forms

Suggested Activities

  1. Letter Freeze: Move to music, freeze in letter shape when it stops
  2. Spell Your Name: Make motions for each letter in your name
  3. Letter Chain: Students each make one letter to spell a word
  4. ABC Song with Motions: Sing alphabet while making all 26 poses
  5. Letter Charades: One student makes motion, others guess letter

Assessment Opportunities

  • Observe correct letter-motion associations
  • Note which letters are formed correctly
  • Listen for letter sounds during movements
  • Track practice completion across all 26 letters

Differentiation

  • Support: Focus on 5-6 letters at a time; use peer modeling
  • Challenge: Speed rounds; spell words with motions

Integration Ideas

  • Morning Meeting: Letter of the Day motion
  • Transitions: Spell destination with motions (L-U-N-C-H)
  • Brain Breaks: Quick alphabet movement session
  • Spelling Practice: Motion out spelling words

Physical Considerations

  • Ensure adequate space for movement
  • Modify motions for students with physical limitations
  • Seated alternatives available for each motion
  • Supervision for safety during movement

Technical Notes

  • Uses p5.js for interactive graphics and animations
  • Web Speech API for letter and instruction pronunciation
  • Web Audio API for feedback sounds
  • Stick figure drawn with basic shapes and lines
  • Touch and mouse support for all controls
  • Responsive design adapts to container width

References