Learning the alphabet is a fundamental skill for future literacy success. Young children must be exposed to letters on a constant and repetitive basis so they are able to become familiar enough with each letter to recognize it, says Deanna Reynolds, author of "Alphabet Treasury." Teaching your child the alphabet can be done using a variety of visual, auditory and hands-on activities that will make learning letters fun and engaging.
Step 1
Show your child the written alphabet. Your child will begin to make connections between each letter and what it looks like through constant exposure to printed letters. Use flashcards, letter posters or hand written letters. Point out letters you see while out with your child. Make it your goal to show your child letters everyday.
Step 2
Conduct beginning letter activities. Ask your child to find you something around the house that begins with each individual letter of the alphabet. Lay out alphabet flashcards on the floor, call out a letter and challenge your child to point to it as quickly as he can. Cut magazine pictures and separate them by beginning letter. Glue each letter to an individual piece of paper and make an alphabet book, suggests Jackie Silberg, author of "Reading Games for Young Children."
Step 3
Use hands-on activities. Large foam alphabet puzzles encourage your child to feel each letter and learn the shapes and forms that create it, says Scholastic. Give your child letter shaped refrigerator magnets and show him how to stick each one to the refrigerator. Practice each letter as you go. Spell your child's name and teach him how to arrange letters side by side to spell simple words.
Step 4
Teach your child the letters in her name. Affix name labels to as many of her personal belongings, such as her backpack, lunchbox and inside of her books, as you can so she begins to become familiar with each letter that spells her name, suggests Scholastic. Use school calendars, doctor appointment reminders and other printed sources that include her name as additional ways for her to learn to recognize her name.
Step 5
Do paper and pencil activities. Write five large letters on a piece of paper and have your child circle them as you call them out, recommends Silberg. You can also give your child a blank piece of paper and call out letters for her to write. Make or buy letter practice sheets that require your child to trace each letter and color a picture of something that starts with the letter.
Step 6
Sing or say the alphabet at least once a day. Think up as many creative ways to practice as you can. Sing it as fast as you can and then as slow as you can. Jump up and down or clap between each letter, suggests Silberg. Try using silly voices, whispering or yelling each letter to encourage your child to participate in practicing.
Tips and Warnings
- Art activities can help teach your child letters. Cut out large letters and provide art supplies for your child to decorate each one with. Make letters out of clay or write them with water colors.
- Do not criticize your child if she does not know a letter you ask about. Support her and continue practicing together until she masters each letter.
Things You'll Need
- Alphabet flashcards
- Pencil
- Paper
- Printed alphabet activities
References
- "Alphabet Treasury"; Deanna Reynolds; 2009
- "Reading Games for Young Children"; Jackie Silberg; 2005
- Scholastic: Learning the Alphabet
