Learning the alphabet is a prerequisite for many of the literacy skills needed to learn to read. Without a firm knowledge of letters, children can struggle with all other aspects of early literacy.
However, remember to keep it fun. Making it a regular, fun and varied activity will help reinforce learning.
1. Alphabet puzzle
There are many alphabet puzzles that have the letters and an associated image. This is another way to play and expose your child to the alphabet.
2. Tracking your name
When a child can say the spelling of his name out loud, make some tracing pages of his name. Have your child trace the letters. This creates a direct association of the shape of the printed letters with the letters of her name. They will be learning letters and early writing skills.
3. Trace the letters of the alphabet
Create your own lyric tracing pages or print out some pre-made lyric tracing pages, which are available on the Internet. Repetitive tracing of each letter will solidify your learning of letter shapes.
4. Play internet games
There are some games available on the Internet that teach children about letters and letter sounds. Kids will love using the computer too!
5. Point out letters on everyday objects
Point out words you see in everyday places and tell your child the beginning letter. In the supermarket, use the supermarket labels “Look, spaghetti starts with an ‘s'”. Encourage your child to point to the letters she knows and praise her when she does this independently, although many children may start with the golden arches of MacDonald’s!
6. Make letters with spaghetti/cooked string
Cook some spaghetti and have fun creating letters with them. Or for a less messy option, use yarn/yarn. To help your child, draw a large letter that he can spin the spaghetti into or string it on.
7. Play in a sandbox or on the beach
Use a stick to draw letters in the sand. First draw a letter and ask your child to copy it.
8. Hunt the alphabet
Write the alphabet on a sheet of paper. Go through the house until you have found an object that begins with each of the letters. Good luck with the q and x!
9. Steamy Fun
If you have a mirror in your bathroom that fills with steam, why not practice writing with your child’s finger in the steam?
10. Coloring pages
Most kids love to color, so print out some coloring pages with the letter and a picture of something that starts with the letter. Tell your child what the letter is and then point to the picture and explain that the picture also starts with the letter.
Children can learn really effectively while having fun.