How to Teach the ABCs for Fun
If you have a young child who is on the edge of precociousness you may be wondering how you can teach them all the things that you want to. It is important to keep in mind that there is no reason to be stuck with the boring when it comes to teaching the alphabet. Today there are lots of fun and creative ways you can introduce your child to the alphabet. Best of all you may have just as much fun teaching your child as they do learning. Here is what you need to know about how to teach ABC's in a fun way-
- Think old school-Many parents have given up on older toys thinking their child will only love what is new and technology driven. But one of the most time tested toys are alphabet blocks. These old school wooden alphabet blocks are a great way to introduce the alphabet to your child. Best of all building with blocks also helps their hand-eye coordination, visual perception and improves overall motor skills, all while teaching them how to recognize the letters of the alphabet.
- Think new school-Today's kids are more technologically savvy then ever before. There is a wide variety of computer games and educational gaming systems that will help teach your child the alphabet. Be sure to choose a game that fits your child's interest and aptitudes since a game that is too hard will only frustrate a young user and cause them to avoid playing the game, thus defeating the purpose. If you are unsure of what computer games would be best, consider using an online review site to help you decide.
- Make an Alphabet Beads Necklace or Bracelet-This can work well for older children as well. While younger children can help, they may not have the dexterity to do it completely. Visit your local craft store and purchase alphabet beads and string, along with some other beads for decoration. You may have to help the child string the letters onto the bracelet or necklace, and then you have 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 and learning from it.
- Have a letter of the day-This can be a great way to teach the ABC's. Choose a particular letter of the day. Display the letter in a prominent place. You can also put up words that match the letter. You eat only foods that start with that letter, wear colors that start with the letter or do something special that starts with your chosen letter. Try to reinforce the letter throughout the day since that is the best way for your child to be able to memorize.
- Make an Alphabet Blanket-You do not need to worry since you do not have to know how to sew to create this one. Just grab a regular blanket, and some colorful alphabet patches. You can purchase iron-on patches from craft stores, or even online. Let your child decide where each letter will go on the blanket, and then you (of course) will iron them on (Don't let the child use the iron!) It will be a fun activity you can do together, and he or she will have a great blanket to use as well.
- Refrigerator magnets-These are a great tool for teaching the alphabet. Since you most people spend a lot of time in their kitchens they can use the magnets to teach their child in a fun way. Have your child pick out certain letters as you cook dinner or do the dishes. This is a constant reinforcement of the alphabet as well. Later your child will be able to use the same magnets to begin to put words together.