Be aware of the letters and letter sounds your child knows. This can be as simple as writing down the alphabet on a small piece of paper or a chart like this and making a check next to the letters your child shows they can recognize. Put a smiley face next to the letter if they can tell you the sound and a squiggly line if they know how to write it.

Names are the most meaningful words for children, so start with having your child learn the letters and sounds of their name. 

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Talk about the child’s letter, for example, “Look Mia! I see your letter M, mmmmmmm, on that sign that says “Motorcycles”. Then have learn names of their siblings and favorite friend.

Search for a word with the letter “a” in it around the house, while driving in the car, or shopping at the grocery store. Try to find all 26 letters!

​Match: Chalk Letters

• Use chalk to write several capital letters on one side

• Then mix up and write the lowercase letters on the other side

• Have your child draw a line to match

Point: Chalk Letters

• Write letters on the ground 

• Ask your child to point to “a” (letters) 

• Have your child take water on a paintbrush and trace over the letter while naming it

Use a plate and pour some rice or cornmeal for kids to trace a letter with their finger, then say its name and sound. Gently shake the rice on the plate to “erase”. Make sure to show them the letter first, so they can copy the shape.

Have your child trace their first and last name in shaving cream. Spray shaving cream in the bathtub and have them spell names in the foam with their finger. Have them write their name and then your name. Show them how their name is written on a piece of paper so they can copy the letter shapes.