Learning is an important aspect of a child’s development and even toddlers can begin learning some of the basics that will lay the foundation for greater learning later on. One of the important milestones in a child’s learning is the recognition of the alphabet. Although full mastery can’t be expected initially, you can still teach your little one the ABCs at home—you can even start when he or she is 2. At this young age, you can employ certain techniques to make this learning fun and useful.
Reading is Fundamental
Many childcare professionals will tell you that reading to your children is a great way to enhance their intelligence and establish a foundation for their future learning skills. This can also be a great way to encourage them to learn the alphabet.
It has been found that children (2 to 3 years old) who are often read to can identify letters earlier than those who are not exposed to this technique. While children listen to stories, they get the idea that books contain letters and although they may not fully grasp this yet, they will want to learn these letters to be able to read the stories and books themselves.
Fun with Letters
In addition to reading, certain activities can help get your toddler excited about learning the alphabet. These exercises should be fun and kept at the learning level a toddler would be capable of. For example, write your child’s name on his or her artwork, then point out and recite the letters of his or her. Ask your child to repeat after you.
Using blocks or refrigerator magnets with letters are other fun tools you can use. You can incorporate learning through play by having your child identify certain letters and once he or she gets it right, you can then proceed with word games. For instance, if the letter being recognised is “A,” then you can present words such as “apple,” “ant” and “angel.” Your child’s name is a good starting point as well. You can say “Charlie, your name starts with the letter ‘C.’”
Starting Young
It is never too early to begin learning, especially if it is executed in a fun and engaging way. Learning the alphabet is a great way for toddlers to start with. Read to your child entertaining stories and play word games and he or she will be enjoying while learning.
To learn more childcare learning tips and how we support them at each centre near Perth, call the Bertram centre at +61 (08) 9419 1844, the Carlisle centre at +61 (08) 9472 4702 and the St James centre at +61 (08) 9358 4673.
