Most children starts recognizing some letters between the ages of 2 and 3
and can identify most letters between 4 and 5. According to this we can understand that we should start teaching teaching our child the alphabet when he's around 2 years old — but we should not expect full mastery for some time. Additionally, toddlers learn
differently from older kids, so don't pull out the flashcards and
audiotapes just yet. Instead, rely on visual aids such as colorful
alphabet picture books — your child will have a great time pointing out
the letters he knows, as well as colors, shapes, animals, and other
objects in the book.
The 1st step in teaching the alphabet is getting your child interested in listening to stories. At around age 2 or 3, children who are frequently read to get the idea that books contain print, which is made up of letters.
There are lots of fun ways to introduce your child to individual letters. Sign his name to his artwork, then point out each letter one by one. Eventually he'll get the idea that by putting those letters together his name has been created. You can reinforce this identification in many ways: Alphabet letters forming his name on the door of his room, perhaps, or a dall or puzzle games of his name. Or help him play with alphabet puzzles or refrigerator magnets that he can manipulate. Once he recognizes a letter, play word games — "What words start with 'B'? Ball, baby, boy ..." or use the first letter of his name as the starting point — "Your special letter is 'A,' for Adarsh; can you think of any other 'A' words?" (Your child won't be able to write letters until he's about 4, so don't focus on teaching him to write until then.)
If he seems interested, feel free to continue helping your child learn more letters. But if he's under 4 and shows no interest, it's best to let it go for a while. No evidence suggests that very early alphabet learning is related to more advanced reading skills later on.
The 1st step in teaching the alphabet is getting your child interested in listening to stories. At around age 2 or 3, children who are frequently read to get the idea that books contain print, which is made up of letters.
There are lots of fun ways to introduce your child to individual letters. Sign his name to his artwork, then point out each letter one by one. Eventually he'll get the idea that by putting those letters together his name has been created. You can reinforce this identification in many ways: Alphabet letters forming his name on the door of his room, perhaps, or a dall or puzzle games of his name. Or help him play with alphabet puzzles or refrigerator magnets that he can manipulate. Once he recognizes a letter, play word games — "What words start with 'B'? Ball, baby, boy ..." or use the first letter of his name as the starting point — "Your special letter is 'A,' for Adarsh; can you think of any other 'A' words?" (Your child won't be able to write letters until he's about 4, so don't focus on teaching him to write until then.)
If he seems interested, feel free to continue helping your child learn more letters. But if he's under 4 and shows no interest, it's best to let it go for a while. No evidence suggests that very early alphabet learning is related to more advanced reading skills later on.
