by J. Ryan

Created on: April 29, 2010

Teaching preschool children the alphabet and to read can be challenging if the child is simply not interested.  To counter balance the lack of interest, try turning your lessons into a series of games.

Incorporate books and ABC toys 

It is no secret that the more a parent reads to his or her child, the more he or she will be interested in books.  The more books you have available, the more opportunities your child will have to view words in print, and the more likely he or she will be interested in learning to read. 

There are ways to expand beyond books, too.  Allow your child to explore letters through a wide variety of toys.  The more ABC puzzles you have in your toy closet, the greater your chances are of your child trying to complete one, and further exposing themselves to print.  Likewise, the more alphabet related toys you have (ABC blocks, alphabet magnets, alphabet stamps, etc.), the more interested your child will be in the alphabet and the more he or she will want to recognize letters in her environment.

Look for songs and games that introduce letters, sounds and words

Nothing captures young children's attention better than a good song.  Go a bit further than the traditional alphabet song and search the internet and your local library for CDs by artists such as Jack Hartman, Dr. Jean, Raffi and Greg & Steve.  These artists focus many of their songs around educational concepts such as colors, shapes and letters.  (Note: be sure your child knows his or her basic shapes before introducing letters, as this is considered developmentally appropriate practice). 

Additionally, many of the CDs available for rent or purchase now have movement activities incorporated into them.  If not, a simple game in letter recognition is an easy way to get your child moving and stimulate their development.  An example is to print a few letters onto cards, spread them over a large surface in your home and have your child toss a bean bag on to each letter as they learn it.  Be sure to reward them if they do well, as children of this age need lots of positive reinforcement.

Incorporate art and sensory activities

Children at the preschool level should have art and sensory activities integrated into everything that they learn.  Since children at this age cannot think abstractly, it is important that concrete and tangible activities are readily available to them.  For example, to teach children what the letter "A" looks like, start by tracing the letter onto a piece of wax paper yourself.  Then, spread shaving cream over the wax paper and have your child trace the lines with his or her finger.  This type of sensory integration activity is fun, engaging and especially attractive to younger preschoolers.  For an art activity, try gluing buttons onto a (large) letter "A" printed on bright colored construction paper.

By making learning about the alphabet and reading fun, your child will be more interested and curious about it.  When introducing letters and literacy, start by incorporating toys, music and movement, sensory and art activities in addition to reading to children as much as you possibly can.  With the help of a little creativity and patience, your child will be on the road to reading in no time!

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