Learning the alphabet is a prerequisite for many of the literacy skills required to learn to read. Without a firm knowledge of letters, children could have difficulty with all other aspects of early literacy.
However remember to keep it fun. Making it a regular activity that is fun and varied will help to reinforce the learning.
READING GAMES FOR KIDS
1. Alphabet jigsaw puzzles
There are many alphabet jigsaw puzzles which have the letters and an associated image. This is another way to play and expose your child to the alphabet.
2. Tracing Their Name
When a child can say aloud the spelling of their name then make some tracing pages of their name. Have your child trace the letters. This creates a direct association of the shape of the printed letters with the letters of their name. They will be learning letters and early writing skills.
3. Tracing the Letters of the Alphabet
Either create your own tracing pages of letters, or print out some pre-made letter tracing pages, these are readily available on the internet. Repetitive tracing of each letter will solidify their learning of the letter shapes.
4. Play internet games
There are some games available on the internet which teach children about letters and letter sounds. Children will also love to use the computer!
5. Point to Letters on Everyday Objects
Point to words you see in everyday places and tell your child the starting letter. In the supermarket use grocery labels "look spaghetti starts with a 's'", Encourage your child to point out letters they know and praise them when the child does it independently - although many children may start with the Golden Arches of MacDonald's!
6. Make letters out of cooked Spaghetti/string
Cook some spaghetti and have fun creating letters with it. Or for a less messy option use string/wool. To help your child by drawing a large letter that that they can swirl the spaghetti or string around.
7. Play in a sand pit or at the beach
Use a stick to draw letters in the sand. Draw a letter first and have your child copy it.
8. Hunt the alphabet
Write the alphabet on a piece of paper. Go around the house until you have found an object beginning with each of the letters - good luck with q and x!
9. Steam fun
If you have a mirror in your bathroom that gets steamy why not practice writing with your child's finger in the steam.
10. Colouring Pages
Most children love colouring so print off some colouring pages with the letter displayed and a picture of something that begins 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 whilst having fun.
Ten More Tips For Teaching Children the Alphabet
Jeanette McLeod
http://wizz-e.com
Bringing the Magic of Books to Life for young children - interactive multi-media picture books to make learning to read fun!
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