photo credit: mtthompson
Opportunities abound to teach you preschooler with alphabet learning games. Learning the ABCs is all about association at first. So you would begin by showing your little one a letter shape, saying, “a” or “A.” Tell them that this letter A says “a” (saying just the short sound of A) and giving an example of an A word like Ant. You can show them a picture of an A and point out a picture of an Ant.
Then you can point to other A’s in other places. In books, magazines, signs anywhere you might see letters. You can make cards with the letters printed on them and whip them out from time to time. It’s just about making associations with the letter name, shape and its sound.
When you say, “A says a as in apple” really depends on how old or quick your child is, weather they make the connection or not. Continue to do it and eventually you will see they start to recognize it. You can test the water from time to time and see if they can pick up on the A sound and the association with apple.
It can’t be overemphasized that this must be all done in a relaxed, fun atmosphere. Maybe your rambunctious three year old can’t sit for a “lesson” for more than 10 seconds. Just use those 10 seconds. Time will come when you can sit for longer.
And once you begin to show your child the wonderful world of letters and sounds, it will be like when a woman first learns she’s pregnant – she notices all the other pregnant women around her. So be prepared for your little one to shout out “a” apple; “b” boy, as you go through public places.
7 Comments
The information above is fine, especially the emphasis on the activities being relaxed and short, according to attention span of child.
BUT, when first introducing letters of the alphabet, it is absolutely paramount that the letter name be used, not it’s sound(s). C is a ‘see’ not a ‘c’ as in cat. A letter on it’s own does not have a sound until it is in the context of a word that we know. Think about these examples of different sounds: ‘c’at, ‘c’ity OR ‘s’un, la’s'er, trea’s'ure OR ‘a’nt, zebr’a', sw’a'n, f’a'ther, b’a'by, m’a'ny OR ‘ch’air, ‘ch’ef, s’ch’ool…
Name of letter first, the many different sounds second!
I totally agree that learning, especially in those early years, should be in a relaxed and fun environment. I love doing it in games. I promote playing all the time since that’s where kids get creative.
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Hi, Pam-thanks for your input-I always appreciate more information and ideas. I agree with you on using the name of the letter first, I tend to use the name and say things that go with the letter, like A is for Apple, etc. I think just exposing children to the concept of letters, reading to them and pointing the letters and their sounds out gives a good foundation to children as they begin to learn their letters.
Cherie- I agree- learning through play is the most effective way to teach children.
Thanks onnholl and Cherie, great to see your input too. I only found this site a few weeks ago and think it’s great!
Pam
Hi, the video above is from my Flickr site of my son. I must admit it was kind of unnerving to see it here at first. I know my wife will be uncomfortable to know it is on this blog. But I did put it out on Creative Commons license. I guess I’m just curious how you came across it. He sure does love identifying letters and numbers.
Hi, Boones dad- It’s actually a video- but I use a plug in called photodropper that gets pictures from flickr, that have been allowed to be used and credit the creator. I am happy to remove it if you prefer. I emailed you as well.
Pam – Sorry but youve got it all wrong! The letter sound is MORE important than the name.
When learning to read you need to know the sounds the letters make, the name doesnt help!
SO teach your child the sound of the letter first!!!
Yes there are exceptions… those are more advanced and are taught later
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