Dear Parents,
Children are naturally
interested in the letters they see in their world. You don’t need flashcards or computer games, but you can
take advantage of “teachable moments” with some of these ideas.
1. Point out letters in your home on cereal boxes, household
items, clothing, and
appliances.
appliances.
2. As you travel in the car, talk about letters on
stores, restaurants, and signs.
3. Magnetic letters are a “must have.” Children can play with these on a
refrigerator or cookie sheet.
Start with one or two
letters and slowly add more. Point
out the lines, circles, and unique configuration of each letter. Talk about the sound each letter makes. “This is letter and
it says sound.”
4. Look for crackers, cookies, or cereal in the shape of
letters. There are also
cookie cutters,
sponges, blocks, and other toys that will spark your child’s
interest in
letters.
5. Talk about letters as you read to your child. “Can you find a letter on this
page?”
6. Write names of family members on index cards and
attach them to the refrigerator or a poster. Talk about the different letters in each person’s name.
7. Let your child dictate stories to you about their
artwork or photographs you have taken. (Carefully write down what your child says and then
point to the words as you read over it again.)
8. Write the words for objects in your child’s room on
sticky notes. Play a game where
your child matches up the words with the objects.