State the Objective

Tell the children that they will search see if objects that start with S will sink or swim as they recognize and name the uppercase letters S and s.

Literacy Activities
Sink or Swim

• Attach the large letter cards (see below) to S objects.
• Write and name the letter S/s.
• Have the children say the letter name as they write S and s in the air with their fingers.
• Allow the children to place the S objects one at a time into a tub or container filled with water.
• Have the children decide if each object can sink or swim (float).
• Comment:
  • “The S ___ sinks!”
  • “S ___ swims!”
  • List the S objects (e.g., stone, sponge, sock, sack of sand, soap, and soda) and have the children circle the S in each word. 

Write the target letter

• Make a chart and list objects that sink and swim.
• Have the children write S on small pieces of paper.
• Allow the children to stick their letters to the side of the S objects.