X Marks the Spot! Learning to Write the Letter X

English Language Arts Grades Pre-K 1:53 Video
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Lesson Description

A fun and engaging lesson to teach Pre-K students how to write both uppercase and lowercase letter X. We'll watch a video, practice writing, and play games!

Video Resource

Write the Letter X - ABC Writing for Kids - Alphabet Handwriting by 123ABCtv

123ABCtv

Duration: 1:53
Watch on YouTube

Key Concepts

  • Uppercase Letter X Formation
  • Lowercase Letter X Formation
  • Letter Recognition (X)
  • Fine Motor Skills Development

Learning Objectives

  • Students will be able to correctly write the uppercase letter X.
  • Students will be able to correctly write the lowercase letter X.
  • Students will be able to identify the letter X (both uppercase and lowercase).

Educator Instructions

  • Introduction (5 mins)
    Begin by asking students if they know the letter 'X'. Show them examples of 'X' in books or on a whiteboard. Ask if they know any words that start with X (Xylophone, Xenops (from the video)). Explain that today they will learn how to write the letter 'X'.
  • Video Time (3 mins)
    Play the YouTube video 'Write the Letter X - ABC Writing for Kids - Alphabet Handwriting by 123ABCtv'. Encourage students to watch carefully how the letter 'X' is formed.
  • Guided Practice - Uppercase X (7 mins)
    Following the video, guide students in writing the uppercase 'X' in the air with their fingers. Then, have them practice writing uppercase 'X' on a whiteboard or paper. Provide verbal cues and demonstrate the stroke order.
  • Guided Practice - Lowercase x (7 mins)
    Repeat the same process as above, but focus on the lowercase 'x'. Emphasize the smaller size and the starting point in the middle.
  • Independent Practice (8 mins)
    Provide worksheets with dotted lines of uppercase and lowercase 'X' for students to trace and then write independently. Circulate to provide assistance and encouragement.
  • Wrap-up and Review (5 mins)
    Review the formation of both uppercase and lowercase 'X'. Ask students to identify 'X' when shown various letters. Praise their effort and progress.

Interactive Exercises

  • 'X' Treasure Hunt
    Hide uppercase and lowercase 'X' cutouts around the classroom. Have students find them and bring them to you. As they bring each 'X', have them say 'X'. After finding all the letters, have students tell you which was the big X and the little x.
  • Writing 'X' in Sand/Salt
    Provide trays of sand or salt. Have students practice writing uppercase and lowercase 'X' in the sand/salt with their fingers. This provides a tactile learning experience.

Discussion Questions

  • What does the letter 'X' look like?
  • Can you name any words that start with the letter 'X'?
  • Is the big X and little x the same or different?

Skills Developed

  • Letter Recognition
  • Hand-Eye Coordination
  • Fine Motor Skills
  • Following Instructions

Multiple Choice Questions

Question 1:

Which one is the big 'X'?

Correct Answer: X

Question 2:

Which one is the little 'x'?

Correct Answer: x

Question 3:

What letter did we learn to write today?

Correct Answer: X

Question 4:

How many lines does the letter 'X' have?

Correct Answer: Two

Question 5:

Which animal starts with the letter X?

Correct Answer: Xenops

Question 6:

To make the letter X, do we draw circles?

Correct Answer: No

Question 7:

Does the letter X have straight lines or curvy lines?

Correct Answer: Straight

Question 8:

What do we use to write letters?

Correct Answer: A pencil

Question 9:

When we write, do we start at the top or the bottom of the page?

Correct Answer: Top

Question 10:

Which of these letters is not the letter X?

Correct Answer: Z

Fill in the Blank Questions

Question 1:

We learned to write the letter ____ today.

Correct Answer: X

Question 2:

The big 'X' is called ________.

Correct Answer: uppercase

Question 3:

The little 'x' is called _________.

Correct Answer: lowercase

Question 4:

Xenops is a kind of ______.

Correct Answer: bird

Question 5:

We use a ______ to write.

Correct Answer: pencil

Question 6:

The letter X has ____ lines.

Correct Answer: two

Question 7:

We write on a piece of _______.

Correct Answer: paper

Question 8:

First make a diagonal line down, then the other _____.

Correct Answer: way

Question 9:

Little x starts in the ________.

Correct Answer: middle

Question 10:

Good Job! Now you ______!

Correct Answer: try

Educational Standards

PK.2.PC.6:Students will begin to write some uppercase and lowercase letters including the majority of the letters in their first name with prompting. PK.2.PWS.2:Students will name a majority of uppercase and lowercase letters. PK.8.W:Students will begin to express their ideas using a combination of drawing and emergent writing with prompting.

Teaching Materials

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