Teaching the Alphabet

How to teach the alphabet
In a way your kids will love to learn

Teaching the alphabet is often the first step in teaching reading because the ABC's are the foundation of the English language. Learning to read starts with the ability to recognize each letter and the sounds it represents.

The best way to teach the alphabet is through lots of repetition and practice and by making the ABCs available to your kids in a variety of fun and interesting ways.

So, how do you go about teaching the alphabet in a fun and engaging way that will motivate your child to want to learn to read? Here are some suggestions sure to bring about results.

How to teach the alphabet for reading success:

• Play alphabet games

• Read alphabet Books

• Alphabet coloring pages are a fun way to learn

• Incorporate fun activities that teach alphabet lessons

• Utilize worksheets specifically designed to teach the alphabet

• Sing ABC songs. This helps them remember the alphabet in order in a fun way. Most kids will learn faster with a song even if they're singing "ellamennapee for l, m, n, o, p" for a while. Once they learn the song, you can start teaching the sounds that each letter makes. You can point to letters as you get to it in the song. Sing the song throughout the day casually without making a production about "learning".

• Tell stories specifically targeting a particular letter

• Have them write or draw the letters. Tracing is an easy way to get them used to writing letters

• Point out letters of the alphabet throughout the day - in newspapers, magazines, TV shows, road signs, menus, etc.

• Teach them the letters in their own name so they can spell it and write it

• Visit websites that teach the alphabet in a fun and interactive way

• Teaching phonics helps them learn the sounds that the letters make

Teaching the alphabet for your child’s age:

Preschool readers:

• Sings the alphabet song

• Knows the names of all the letters

• Recognizes their name in print and can write some of the letters

• Can identify rhymes

Kindergarten readers:

• Knows the name for all the letters in the alphabet

• Distinguishes between upper and lower case letters

• Writes their own name

• Knows most of the phonics sounds that the letters represent

First Grade readers:

• Reads and writes all the letters

• Knows the different sounds for all the letters

• Understands when to use upper and lower case letters

• Tells apart similar letters like b and d

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