How to Teach a Toddler or Young Child to Spell Her Name

It is not hard to teach a toddler or young child to spell her name -- or his name! In fact, a child who can speak and sing some simple songs learned from TV, DVDs, or movies can learn to spell a long first or last name very quickly. You just have to know what to do!

Instructions

    • 1

      Observe and listen to your child. Notice what song or songs she enjoys and sings along with. This may be a Disney tune, a folk tune, or any song from her favorite movie or DVD. Find a song that she really knows well.

    • 2

      Pick an important line from the song. It can be the first line, or the beginning of the chorus or refrain, or any part your child knows well. However, try to pick a section in which the syllables more or less match the letters of his name. It doesn't have to be a perfect match.

    • 3

      Then sing the line of the song with the spelling of your child's name. For example,"T, I, M, O, T, H, Y" can be sung to the tune of "Twinkle, twinkle, little star."

    • 4

      Don't hesitate to make a force fit it the name is one syllable too long or too short. If the name is too long by one syllable, just sing two letters on one pitch. For a very long name, you can go into the next phrase. If there are a few syllables left over, you can add words such as "hello," "is here," "how are you," or repeat the child's name or last name. Just use your imagination and make a meaningful song for your child.

    • 5

      Repeat the song with your child until she can do it herself. It won't take long, and with a little review for a few days, she will remember it forever. In fact, with such success, you will be ready to teach your child to spell her last name in the same way. Use the same song or a different one. If she can sing a song, in almost no time at all you can teach a toddler or young child to spell her name!

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