My kids tell me when they’re ready to learn letters, begin writing, leading to reading. I don’t push, prod, or bribe.
They will learn without me, in spite of me – if I just leave them alone and provide plenty of opportunity and tools.
Letter Recognition Goals
- Letter recognition: shape
- Letter naming: shape association with the name
- Letter sound knowledge: sound corresponding to shape
- Letter writing: trace, form, write the shape
Letter Recognition Activities
- Teach letter names, then sounds.
- Point out letters whenever you see them.
- Label everything.
- Say the names of objects and point to labels.
- Have lots of books and read, Read, READ.
- Letter of the Week themes
- Sing.
- Rhyme.
- Montessori toys
Letter Games, Tips, and Tools
I find plenty of printables online like matching capital and lowercase letters, holiday and theme letter games, bottle cap signs, alphabet journals, and cube games.
I love, love, love the Montessori tools for letters, reading, and spelling. They’re so child-focused and child-friendly. Sensory exploration comes naturally to kids and the sandpaper letter cards and sand trays along with other fun hands-on tools are great for kids showing interest in letters and reading.
My kids were obsessed with LeapFrog DVDs and they were really cute.
We loved the ABC printables from Confessions of a Homeschooler, 1+1+1=1, Homeschool Creations, This Reading Mama
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I love this! I taught each of my (3) kids to read by the time they were three years old following this same idea–no pushing or prodding, just lots of opportunities and activities and games for learning the letters and what they sound like. This is wonderful! Pinning. :)
#littlecottagelinkparty
Jennifer, your kiddos are so cute! You are doing such a good job homeschooling them. The world needs more mothers like you!
Thanks for linking up at InstaEncouragements!
Cute kids and great post. Thanks for sharing
Jennifer – I loved seeing the pictures of your darling children. Good job momma.
Great job! Looks like they are really enjoying themselves too. Thanks for linking up #twinklytuesday