How to Teach a Toddler the Alphabet With Phonics
Most children will not master the names of all of the letters in the alphabet until age 4 or even 5, but they can begin learning their letters as young toddlers. Flashcards and drills are unnecessary for such younger children and can be counterproductive. Instead, parents should work on making the alphabet a regular topic of conversation in their homes and creating alphabet activities that toddlers will enjoy.
Things You'll Need
- Books
- ABC manipulatives (such as blocks or magnets)
Instructions
Read plenty of books to your child, and point to the words in the books as you read. This motion will occasionally direct your child's attention to the text, giving over the idea that the letters hold the key to understanding what is happening in the story. Point out individual letters on printing materials that matter to your child. For example, you might sign your child's name on her artwork and point out the individual letters that make up her name. Alternatively, you may point out the letters on the front of her favorite book. Name the letters, and talk about the phonetic sound that each one makes. Provide your child with letter blocks, magnets or other manipulatives. Encourage your child to play with these blocks, and engage your child in dialogue about the differences between the letters (such as the difference between "M" and "N" or "P" and "B") or about the names and phonetic sounds of the letters. Play verbal word games, pointing out the various words that begin with the same letter sound. For example, you might tell your child, "Your name begins with an M, for 'M-m-mark.' Let's think of other words that begin with the 'mmm' sound." Point out the letters that your child has mastered wherever they appear, such as on street signs, cereal boxes and junk mail. Make sure to point out the phonetic sound that the letters make in addition to naming the letters themselves.
