Kindergarteners love the alphabet, and they need to memorize the letter names. They need to know the letter name that is associated with each letter symbol for all 26 letters, both uppercase and lowercase. Repeated exposures to the letters in print will help them do this. Start with the uppercase letters. And remember, children learn through repetition so you'll want to practice the letters many, many times. Mix it up with different activities to hold their interest. Here are some ideas:
1. Read ABC books. There are lots of these books out there, with many different themes. See the list of alphabet books here on my blog for some specific titles. If you're going to purchase any of these through Amazon, be sure to click the "Amazon School Rewards Program" button and Edna Maguire will receive up to 10% of your purchase total.
2. Make the letters out of clay, play dough or pipe cleaners.
3. Paint the letters with finger paint.
4. Make "light letters" using construction paper and a toothpick. Write a letter on a piece of construction paper. Place the paper on a rug and have your child use a toothpick or thumbtack to punch holes along the lines of the letters. Hold the paper up to the sunlight, or hold a flashlight to the back of the paper to see the letter.
5. Make "shaving cream letters." Spread a layer of shaving cream on a tray and write letters with your finger.
Have fun reading and making those letters! Check back soon for another post on letter recognition.
