Materials List:
– Sugar cookie dough or play dough
– Letter cookie cutters
– Rolling pin
– Baking sheet (optional)
– Oven (optional)
– Cookie decorating supplies (optional)

Preschool Learning Objectives:
1. Cognitive Development: Recognizing and naming letters of the alphabet.
2. Fine Motor Skills: Using small muscles to roll out dough and press cookie cutters.
3. Sensory Development: Engaging in tactile play with dough.

Preschool Teacher Instructions:
1. Prepare the sugar cookie dough according to the recipe or purchase pre-made dough. You can also use play dough to make pretend cookies instead.
2. Roll out the dough with a rolling pin to about 1/4 inch thickness.
3. Invite the children to press letter cookie cutters into the dough to create letter-shaped cookies.
4. If using real sugar cookie dough, bake the cookies according to the recipe instructions. If using play dough, allow the children to “bake” their cookies in an imaginary oven.
5. Once the cookies are baked or “baked,” allow the children to decorate them with icing or other toppings if desired.
6. Encourage the children to identify the letters on their cookies as they enjoy their creations.

Teacher Tips for Differentiated Instruction:
– For children who are struggling to press the cookie cutters, provide extra support by guiding their hands or using cookie cutters with handles for easier gripping.
– For children who are more advanced, encourage them to spell simple words with the letter cookies or challenge them to identify the sounds that each letter makes.

Assessment Suggestions:
– Observe the children as they engage in the activity to assess their ability to recognize and name letters of the alphabet.
– Listen for children who are able to identify the sounds that each letter makes as they play with the cookies.
– Note any children who may need additional support with fine motor skills and provide guidance as needed.