Sing the ABC Song

Sing the alphabet song together each morning when you’re getting your child dressed. Then have them sing it while pointing at each letter of the alphabet. Here is a free printable of the alphabet you can print out and use.

Start with Their Own Name

The most meaningful letters to your child are the ones they see in their own name. Write their name everywhere you can, such as on their drink cups and backpacks, or put the letters of their name on the wall of their bedroom. It’s important for them to see the letters of their name written often.

Keep Track of the Letters

Be aware of the letters and letter sounds your child knows. This can be as simple as writing down the alphabet on a small piece of paper and making a check next to each letter your child recognizes. Put a smiley face next to the letter if she can tell you the sound and a squiggly line if she knows how to write it! Or use one like this: LETTER RECOGNITION CHART

Point Out Letters

Point to individual letters you see on cereal boxes, signs at the store or while driving and ask them to tell you what they are. Then describe the letter shape: “That’s the letter ‘p’, it has a big line and a little curve.”

Exciting Letter Lessons at Starfall.com

This a free educational website for children that offers quick, engaging lessons. Choose “ABC’s” from the menu, then click on a letter for your child to experience a short two-minute lesson. Your child must then click the letter, word or arrow to move to the next part of the lesson.  (Note: Kids can access all letter practice for this website from a home computer for free, however the app for phones and tablets only offers a few letters to practice. The CM library has Starfall.com on all computers, at all branch locations for kids to use.)

Learn the Alphabet on ABCYa.com, a free educational website for children.

• Alphabet Bingo
• Alphabet Slider Puzzle
• Monster Mansion Letter Match
• Connect the Dots ABC

(Note: Kids can access all games for this website from a home computer for free, however the app for phones and tablets costs a monthly fee. The Charlotte-Mecklenburg library has ABCYa.com on all computers, at all branch locations for kids to use.)

Magnetic Letters

With a set of magnetic letters, pull out three different letters, like “T”, “N” and “S” and place them on the refrigerator or a large baking sheet. Ask your child to point to the N. If they don’t know, take away one of the letters, to make it easier. Once they point to the N, have them use their finger to trace its shape. “Look! The N, you draw a big line down, then another big line down and then up.”

Palm Reading

While waiting in line, draw a letter using your fingertip on your child’s open hand. Can he tell you what it is? Write the letter again until he can “read” it. Have him then write a letter on your hand! **NOTE: if your child seems frustrated, disinterested or overwhelmed with this activity, stop and try again another day. Try an easier game next time and build their skills starting there. It’s more important that children feel successful than it is to push them when they are not developmentally ready.

Guess My Letter

Tell your child a letter sound and have them guess the name of the letter that matches. “The letter I’m thinking of makes the “ssssss” sound. What letter is it?”

Silly Sock Letters

Using a tube sock, place a magnetic letter inside the sock, making sure your child has not seen the letter. Then, have them put their hand in the sock to feel the letter with their fingers. Can they figure out the letter they’re touching without looking?