C is for Capitalization: Capitalizing Letters and Opportunities

🌟 We are generally familiar with the grammar rules for capitalization but we must also remember to capitalize on every opportunity we have to build literacy skills!  Both subjects are valuable.

The general rules for capitalization in English writing.

*Sentences start with capitals and end with periods.

*Names are proper nouns which are capitalized. Names of individuals, cities, countries, companies, religions, languages and political parties should be capitalized as well as days, months and holidays (but not seasons).  

*Time periods and major events (eg. WW2) are usually capitalized as well as most words in titles (eg. Little Red Riding Hood).  

The word 'I' is always capitalized because it represents YOU.  You are of great value. We all are valued and our focus therefore is on people! 

While that is not the reason WHY we use a capital ('I' is a proper noun), it is still valid and leads me to the concept of capitalization as a phrasal verb.  The definition for "to capitalize on" is to get an advantage from something.  "I want to capitalize on my time with a child" means I want to make the most of the opportunity I have with them because it is to both of our advantages to do so.  We need to really make the most of our opportunities and to show the importance of children in our life by taking time with them.  The outcome is truly worthwhile.  

I remind you of the blog on building literacy skills in small moments of time as it provides many ideas on how to do this.  I also wish to highlight that it is not just our actions but also our attitudes here that make a difference.  Am I just looking at clouds with them or am I taking time to be present in their experience of the world in that moment in time because I value them as a person?  This is one way to open the door wider and build a relationship which is a solid foundation upon which to start helping them to build their skills.  When a child senses that we are present with them, even for small moments of time, they understand that we care and value them.  This helps them open up in our interactions with them. 

The child is now looking forward to the opportunity to spend time with you and so working on capitals is suddenly more appealing.

Ideas that are useful for working on Capitals.

*Match big and small letters using magnets or worksheets or by constructing them or drawing them.

*Make capital letters with playdough, glue and string, pipecleaners, felt, sandpaper, sparkly glue on paper, sticks, stones or cereal on their tray.  The variety of textures will help the brain retain the shape of the letter.

*Trace the capital letters on their back with your finger, in the air or on paper.

*Make crayon rubbings with capital letters under a paper so that as you rub the letter shows through.  Name the letter.

*Find capital letters anywhere and everywhere you can find them!  Make it a game.  Have a friendly competition. 

*Cut out capital letters and use them to make secret, fun messages.

*Practice editing words, sentences and paragraphs to understand when to use capitals.  A lot of it is straightforward practice.

In summary, let's take up every opportunity, capitalize on every moment and add value to the times we have with our children ... not just to build up their reading, writing, listening and speaking skills but to build them up as individuals as well!