For Pike Parents
PARENTS' TOOLBOX
Helping Kids Read
The Alphabet
Overview
Learning the alphabet is an important beginning step in early literacy. Research has shown that children's knowledge of letter names is a strong predictor of their success in learning to read. The goal is for children to be able to name the letters of the alphabet when the letters are not presented in alphabetical order.
A great way to teach children the names of the letters of the alphabet is by reading alphabet books to them. There are hundreds of visually appealing alphabet books on a wide range of topics from which to choose. Many talented artists have illustrated these beautiful books. I particularly like the alphabet books by Jerry Pallotta. His titles include: The Icky Bug Alphabet Book, The Dinosaur Alphabet Book, The Ocean Alphabet Book, The Butterfly Alphabet Book, The Boat Alphabet Book, and The Flower Alphabet Book. His illustrations are gorgeous, and his books are filled with good information on a wide range of topics. You might have to search a bit to find alphabet books. Some libraries and bookshops have them shelved in a separate area with “Concept” books; others have them shelved within the picture book section.
As you read the books aloud, point to the letter on the page and have children name it with you. Some books have one picture per page; others have many. All of these books are important to share with children because not only are you teaching the names and the sounds of the letters, but you are exposing children to scores of new vocabulary words and artistic techniques that they would otherwise not have encountered.
You can also sing and then recite the "Alphabet Song.” It is a good idea to have some plastic letters handy to point to as you sing and recite the song. Leave magnetic letters on the refrigerator and use them for games. Try having children point to and name letters in magazines and newspapers. Starting with the letters in their own names is a great motivator. Puzzles and matching games are also fun for children and provide another way to practice. Providing a wide range of opportunities to see, manipulate, and compare letters will lead to efficient and rapid letter naming by your child.
In general, children first learn to name the uppercase letters, then the lowercase letters. Some educators believe there is value in learning to name them simultaneously. In either case, there are many websites that are fun for children and give them practice naming and matching the letters of the alphabet. Remember that learning the names of the letters of the alphabet is one small, yet important step in learning to read. Keep reading to children as much as possible while making them aware of all the letters and words that surround them in their environment.
A great way to teach children the names of the letters of the alphabet is by reading alphabet books to them. There are hundreds of visually appealing alphabet books on a wide range of topics from which to choose. Many talented artists have illustrated these beautiful books. I particularly like the alphabet books by Jerry Pallotta. His titles include: The Icky Bug Alphabet Book, The Dinosaur Alphabet Book, The Ocean Alphabet Book, The Butterfly Alphabet Book, The Boat Alphabet Book, and The Flower Alphabet Book. His illustrations are gorgeous, and his books are filled with good information on a wide range of topics. You might have to search a bit to find alphabet books. Some libraries and bookshops have them shelved in a separate area with “Concept” books; others have them shelved within the picture book section.
As you read the books aloud, point to the letter on the page and have children name it with you. Some books have one picture per page; others have many. All of these books are important to share with children because not only are you teaching the names and the sounds of the letters, but you are exposing children to scores of new vocabulary words and artistic techniques that they would otherwise not have encountered.
You can also sing and then recite the "Alphabet Song.” It is a good idea to have some plastic letters handy to point to as you sing and recite the song. Leave magnetic letters on the refrigerator and use them for games. Try having children point to and name letters in magazines and newspapers. Starting with the letters in their own names is a great motivator. Puzzles and matching games are also fun for children and provide another way to practice. Providing a wide range of opportunities to see, manipulate, and compare letters will lead to efficient and rapid letter naming by your child.
In general, children first learn to name the uppercase letters, then the lowercase letters. Some educators believe there is value in learning to name them simultaneously. In either case, there are many websites that are fun for children and give them practice naming and matching the letters of the alphabet. Remember that learning the names of the letters of the alphabet is one small, yet important step in learning to read. Keep reading to children as much as possible while making them aware of all the letters and words that surround them in their environment.
Web Sites for Children
This is a Web site with printable upper and lowercase letters to help a child learn the letters of the alphabet.
http://www.dltk-teach.com/alphabuddies/alphabet_stamps.htm
There are some nice activities on this site. When a letter is clicked on, a voice says the name of the letter. Both upper and lower case letters are presented.
http://www.literacycenter.net/lessonview_en.htm
This is another nice site. If you click on Find Letter, a rabbit asks the child to find the letter she names from among three choices. If the child misses, an arrow shows the correct answer. Both upper and lowercase letters are practiced.
http://www.create-a-reader.com/Components/CARPage.swf?page=Letters&site=basic&lang=English
Fill in the missing letter by clicking on the flower that has that letter. This is a very good activity for sequencing the alphabet.
http://www.little-g.com/shockwave/garden.html
Each baby animal has a lowercase letter. Click on its partner upper case letter to move the baby animal to its proper place in the zoo.
http://www.sadlier-oxford.com/phonics/grade_k_1/zoo_a/zoo1x.htm
An alphabet is on the screen. Click on each letter to hear the letter name spoken.
http://www.starfall.com/n/level-k/index/load.htm?f
This is a simple alphabet matching game, where the child clicks on a letter that matches the animated one.
http://akidsheart.com/threer/lvl1/amatch1.htm
Leave the mouse on a capital letter and it will change into the lower case letter. Click on it, and it links to a poem with the letter in it.
http://phonics.jazzles.com/html/letters.html
http://www.dltk-teach.com/alphabuddies/alphabet_stamps.htm
There are some nice activities on this site. When a letter is clicked on, a voice says the name of the letter. Both upper and lower case letters are presented.
http://www.literacycenter.net/lessonview_en.htm
This is another nice site. If you click on Find Letter, a rabbit asks the child to find the letter she names from among three choices. If the child misses, an arrow shows the correct answer. Both upper and lowercase letters are practiced.
http://www.create-a-reader.com/Components/CARPage.swf?page=Letters&site=basic&lang=English
Fill in the missing letter by clicking on the flower that has that letter. This is a very good activity for sequencing the alphabet.
http://www.little-g.com/shockwave/garden.html
Each baby animal has a lowercase letter. Click on its partner upper case letter to move the baby animal to its proper place in the zoo.
http://www.sadlier-oxford.com/phonics/grade_k_1/zoo_a/zoo1x.htm
An alphabet is on the screen. Click on each letter to hear the letter name spoken.
http://www.starfall.com/n/level-k/index/load.htm?f
This is a simple alphabet matching game, where the child clicks on a letter that matches the animated one.
http://akidsheart.com/threer/lvl1/amatch1.htm
Leave the mouse on a capital letter and it will change into the lower case letter. Click on it, and it links to a poem with the letter in it.
http://phonics.jazzles.com/html/letters.html
Parent Information
This PBS link is a wonderful general resource for parents. Reading tips are organized by grade. Each grade has a one page tip sheet. Parents are encouraged to think of the home as a “launch pad” for readers.
http://www.pbs.org/launchingreaders/parenttips.html
Posted: 5/8/06
http://www.pbs.org/launchingreaders/parenttips.html
Posted: 5/8/06
