If you are a parent you are probably aware of all the different methods used to teach the ABCs. Finding a method that will work for your child is not always an easy task. Of course learning the ABCs depends on the development of your child. You are smart not to compare your child to the skills of other children their age since each child develops at a different pace. Let’s look at some of the best ways to teach the ABCs.
Read
Most everyone will tell you the best method to teach the ABCs is to read. Make the time to sit down with your child and read. You can purchase alphabet books and focus on reading them until your child has the ABCs down. Reading numerous types of books will help your child to be exposed to different types of new words and understand their meanings.
You can find several books at your local library that focus on the ABCs and learning one letter at a time. If your child looses interest in one book, pick out another. Toddlers typically enjoy seeing new things that help their growing curiosity become satisfied.
Some popular books that others like for teaching the ABCs are: Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown, Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by Bill Martin Jr. and John Archambault, Curious George by H.A. Ray, or There’s A Monster Under My Bed by James Howe.
Flash Cards
Flash cards are a popular method for teaching the ABC’s. Many children can correspond colors, shapes, or animals to letters. Have your child help you make flashcards with their favorite animals and have them write the letter on the card. You can purchase flash cards at the store or even download templates online.
Always keep in mind to go at a pace that corresponds to your child. Flash cards may work for some children, but it may be frustrating for others.
A Letter a Day
Take a lesson from Sesame Street. There is a reason this popular television show has been on for so many years, it is one of the best educational programs out there. Sesame Street teaches the ABCs by focusing on one letter a day. So try this with your child, on Monday start from the beginning on the alphabet and continue working your way through the alphabet daily until you have completed the alphabet. Then, repeat this process until your child has their ABCs down!
I Spy
Play the “I Spy” game with your child. This is a fun game to play with the whole family as you can sit in a circle and start pointing out objects in your home and what letters correspond to them. You can also play other games with your child to teach the ABCs. Using the flashcards is a fun game to play when your child starts to recognize the letters. They are able to read through the flashcards quicker and this allows them to challenge their mind.
The Alphabet Song
Of course “The Alphabet Song” is a long time proven method for many children to learn their ABCs. It helps them practice memorization of the letters and therefore makes it easy to learn the alphabet. Plus, your child can sing it with their friends as they learn the ABCs together.
No matter how you go about teaching the ABCs to your child always remember to be patient. The last thing you want to do is overwhelm and frustrate your child. Make time in your busy schedule to read with your child and learn the alphabet together. Even thirty minutes a day can make a great impact in your child’s growing education and will help them when they enter preschool.
Parenting viewpoints from parents in the trenches, because parenting doesn’t come with a manual. In addition to