Children Need Alphabet Learning to Build their Basis of Language.

Alphabet learning is important to children in order to learn to communicate. Knowing the alphabet is an major skill to be learned in the early years of learning. Many children may learn the alphabet before they enter school but it is not necessary. Teachers have wonderful programs to teach the alphabet to our children.

The learning of the alphabet is often helped along by the "Alphabet Song". Children love to sing the song. I remember a young cousin of mine, who at around 3 or 4 would sing "mello mello p" instead of l,m,n,o,p.

While most children learn it word for word and think they know the alphabet, it is not always the case as at an early age, they may not get every letter right.

While they know the name of the letters in sequence, there are some that may not be able to name random letters if given or shown a particular letter.

For alphabet recognition children need to gain an understanding of letter names, be able to match upper and lower case, recognise letters in a random order and the know the sounds of each letter.

To help your children recognise the letters of the alphabet, there are many different activities you can do with them. Here are just a few:

• Sing the alphabet song with them

• Put an alphabet chart in their room, showing letters and maybe a picture for each letter, this is particularly good for visual learners

• Talk about letters you may see around the place
  -> One popular letter to those in my household is M - you guessed it McDonalds. As it is everywhere my 2 year always recognises M. Other places popular with kids may bring up discussions on letters
  -> Also look at letters on signs that you see, eg the STOP sign, because they are almost everywhere, kids can get to know those letters.

• Have your child's name on a sign on their door. Let them get to know their name and the letters that make it up.

• Read books that are about the alphabet. There are many different Alphabet picture books out there - look in local bookshops or visit the library. A favourite in our household is Animalia by Graeme Base.

I will continue to update this list as I think of and find more ideas.

KidsLearningisfun has developed a product that fits well with alphabet learning, it is our Magnetic Letters.

Our Magnetic Letters are actually printed in the font our children use in schools. They contain both upper and lower case. These are wonderful to allow children to play around on a fridge, whiteboard or a baking tray. Children can sequence the alphabet, match lower and upper case and also put together small words.

Writing the alphabet - How do we Learn to Write Alphabet Letters?

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