Blogs & Sites

There is a simple reason that you need to help your child with learning the alphabet letters. The alphabetic principle is the foundation for literacy. Mastering alphabet letters is a key element of the process of learning to read. Learning the alphabet letters teaches children that spoken language is represented by written words that are made up of varying combinations of letters. In order to become literate, children must learn that these letters and combinations of them make up all of the sounds in spoken language. Attaching sounds to these letters and learning to write them paves the way to successful reading and writing which then leads to further success in school and life. Children who have no help learning the alphabet letters before school begins start their education process behind their peers — and some children will never be able to catch up.

Find a flashlight and let your child find the letter in magazines, books, or the newspaper. Have your child color code or highlight the letter in yellow.

When you are at the supermarket have your child help you find the groceries by using letters and names. Logos and environmental print that surround your child adds to the learning environment.

Reading with your child and pointing out letters in a word is a very natural way to teach the alphabet or go to the library and take out a variety of books about the alphabet.

It is not enough to simply teach your child the letters of the alphabet in order. Children also must learn the letters of the alphabet out of sequence as well as in sequence. Children should be able to recognize the shape and sound of each letter as well as words that commonly begin with that letter. Once your child has this mastered then they are on the road to becoming a reader! If you do not help your child with learning the alphabet letters before they reach school then you are failing your child.

Explore more about learning the alphabet letters at http://teachyourchildthealphabet.info/