As a parent, you are your child’s first, and perhaps most important, teacher. Early childhood experts agree that the influence parents have on their children, even in the very early years, will affect them greatly throughout their lives. One of the most basic educational steps you can do with your child is to teach him or her the ABC’s. If you’re looking for a creative and unique way to help him/her learn, here are 15 ideas. Have fun!
1. Write Letters in whipped cream: Just grab some wax paper (or even a dark colored plate will do), and some whipped cream in a can (Reddi-Whip is great), and start writing away! If the child is a little older, encourage him to try to make letters as well with the whipped cream. Perhaps add some strawberries to help eat the cream up. This would be fun as a dessert!
2. Bake Alphabet Shaped Cookies: This one’s a little high in calories, but hey, if they learn their ABC’s, it’s worth it! Just purchase some alphabet cookie cutters (here’s one spot online you can buy them), and bake cookies, either from a mix or your own recipe. (Ready-made cookie dough will work too!) If the child is old enough, encourage him/her to stir the mix, cut them out, etc. If you want to be really creative, allow the children to decorate them with frosting, sparkles, and more. Be sure to take pictures!
3. Cut Letters Out with Play-Doh: Another idea for cookie cutters is to use them to mold play-doh into alphabet shapes. Yes, you can use the same cookie cutters, that’s what dish soap is for! Store bought play-doh works great. You can also make fun recipes such as Jello Playdough, Kool-Aid Playdough, Peanut Butter Playdough, Chocolate Scented Playdough, and Frosting Playdough.
4. Serve Your Tot Alphabet Pasta: Looking for a good meal with an educational twist? Serve your child alphabet pasta! You buy it here on Amazon.com. It’s also available in a can at stores such as Wal-Mart. Persuade your child to say the names of each letter before he/she eats them.
5. Play with Flashcards: There are many flashcards available that have pictures of objects that start with letters, along with the letter. This will increase your child’s vocabulary, as well as help him/her master the alphabet. They can be bought from stores such as a Wal-Mart and Target, or you can order some online here. You can also create some your own. Just purchase some note cards and glue photos (or cut pictures from magazines) on the cards, and write the first letter of the word.
6. Provide toys that teach ABC’s: There are a plethora of toys available that have an ABC theme. Playing with these toys will not only be amusing to your youngster, the increased exposure to the letters of the alphabet will help him/her learn the letters. A few toys to consider are: alphabet pal, alphabet drum, alphabet train, alphabet discovery ball, and alphabet puzzle. You can also use a doodle pro (or even a dry erase board will do) to write letters and teach your child the names, etc.
7. Decorate the Bedroom with ABC Art: There are many different alphabet-themed children’s room decor available. The constant exposure to the alphabet will help them in memorizing letters. You don’t have to spend a fortune, you just create your own pictures and signs as well. Just grab some construction paper, cut out pictures of different words and label them. For example “A – Apple”, “B – Boat”, etc.
8. Read Books Often that Promote the Alphabet: Reading is the basic key to learning. It will promote cognitive growth and can help children master the alphabet. Just visit your local library and check out some books. Some books to consider are Dr. Suess’s ABC: An Amazing Alphabet Book, Chicka Chicka ABC, The A to Z Book, and Ocean Alphabet Book.
9. Write a Letter on Child’s hand: Choose a letter that the child needs to learn and write it on their hand with a magic marker in the morning. Throughout the day ask the child what the letter is and talk about it. Children may enjoy showing off their temporary body art to their friends!
10. Create artwork with Alphabet Stickers, Stamps and Sponges: Most youngsters love playing with stickers and stamping stamps. You can purchase alphabet stickers/stamps at Wal-Mart or a craft store. You can purchase alphabet shaped sponges online here. So, just grab some construction paper and let their creativity run loose! Be sure to ask the child what the letter is, encourage him/her to repeat, etc.
11. Make a Collage: Creating an alphabet collage will help your child remember letters. Perhaps make a separate collage for each letter. For an “A” collage – add pictures of items such as an apple, picture of child’s aunt, acorn, etc. You can find pictures online and print them out, or cut them from magazines. An alphabet collage will be a fun activity for your child!
12. Make an Alphabet Beads Necklace or Bracelet: This is more for older children as well. Younger children can help, but might not have the dexterity to do it completely. Go to a craft store (or an online store like this one) and purchase alphabet beads and string, along with some other beads for decoration. Help the child string the letters onto the bracelet or necklace, and – voila! – you’ve got an excellent teaching tool that can also be a piece of jewelry. For younger children, you might just let them watch you make it, and then they can enjoy wearing it.
13. Color Alphabet Pages: Purchase an alphabet coloring book and encourage him/her to color each picture. Hang the pictures up proudly on the fridge or a bulletin board. Be sure to ask the children what letter they colored. You can also print alphabet coloring pages from online sites such as this one.
14. Play Educational Computer Games: There is a variety of computer software available that will teach your child the ABC’s. Some that you might try are Giggles Computer Fun Time for Baby – ABC’s and 123’s and Blue’s Clues ABC Time Activities.
15. Have a letter of the day: This activity could be combined with many of the steps above. Choose a letter of the day, or even a group of days, and complete activities (collage, write it on child’s hand, etc.) throughout the day. The repetition will (hopefully) help him/her memorize each letter.
These a just a few ideas to help you teach your son or daughter the alphabet. Remember that all children learn at different rates, and try not to get frustrated if it takes awhile. If you need additional ideas, read this article, “10 MORE Fun Ways to Teach Your Child the Alphabet.”
Happy Playing and Learning!
