When encountered with similar situations I try to keep the activities as fun yet educational as possible. In my classroom I have created memory games using the letters of the alphabet and corresponding pictures that begins with that letter/sound. I have also used flashcards and played games such as Sparkle or Around the World. Kids of all ages seem to like those games. My students enjoy any hands on type activity. They have used playdough to form the letters, traced letters using a rainbow of colored markers, drawn letters in sand, shaving cream, and hair gel and glitter filled ziploc bags. I hope you find my suggestions helpful.