"X" Marks the Spot

Treasure Map

Objective

Recognize and name the letters and x.

Target Words & Materials

Target Words:

  • box
  • exciting

Materials:

  • Box 
  • Treat or other “treasure”
  • Lively music 
  • Treasure map*
  • Small letter cards*

    *Items included below
     

Lesson Plan

State the Objective
Tell the children that they will follow a map to find a treasure box as they recognize and name the letters X and x.

Literacy Activities
Write and name the X 

  • Write and name the letters X and x, and state that the X makes the /ks/ sound.
  • Have the children make X with two fingers, name the letter, and produce the /ks/ sound.
  • Follow X letters to get to a treasure box
  • Make a path of X letters that leads to a big X at the end
  • Place the “treasure” in the box, and put the box near the X at the end of the trail. 
  • Show the children the treasure map (see below). 
  • Tell the children that they will follow a trail of Xs to find an exciting treasure box. 
  • Let the children take the path of Xs towards the treasure box. 
  • Have the children draw an X in the air with their fingers to open the box.

X freeze dance 

  • Turn on music and have the children dance. 
  • When the music stops, have the children freeze with their bodies in an X shape (arms raised at 

    angles and legs spread apart) and say “X!”. 

  • Repeat several times.

Let X mark the spot

  • Help the children write the letter X on small pieces of paper. 
  • Place the Xs on the floor.
  • State that the X marks the spot for you to stand.
  • Let all the children sit or stand on an X.

Identify the X

  • Mix up the letter cards. 
  • Have the children take turns choosing a card. 
  • Help the children decide whether each letter is an X or some other letter. 
  • If the letter is an X, place it in the treasure box.

 

Printouts

Standards

1. CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RF.K.1.D: Recognize and name all upper- and lowercase letters in the alphabet.