It's as easy as A B C... isn't it?
We use the alphabet to imply simplicity, yet knowing the alphabet is crucial to your child's education. Letters are the building blocks of words and knowing the letters of the alphabet are the first step to learning to read, and your child will need to know the alphabet for using the index of a book, finding one in a library or using a dictionary. (Yes, your child will still be using books at school for the foreseeable future!)
Children learn best through play, so you should never try to 'teach' your child letters in any formal way. Include the alphabet in your child's usual games and reading time and they will happily absorb this knowledge without any pressure.
It's never too early to start teaching your child the alphabet, so as well as singing nursery rhymes to your baby, sing the alphabet song too - you know, the one with the tune to 'Twinkle Twinkle Little Star'. By the way, you should slow down and pronounce L M N O P carefully; I've heard lots of kids who can sing the song correctly but mumble through those letters, because that is how it has always sounded to them.
Once you are able to start reading to your child, include an alphabet book in your reading. There many beautifully illustrated ones available. I also recommend that you choose one with both capital and lower case letters, which will introduce them to the idea that there are two different ways of writing a letter from the start. Simply say that 'This is a big A and this is a little A'.
Many alphabet books have themes such as animals or toys which will also help teach your child the names of common objects. In fact, I still find it useful to know that there is such a thing as an X-ray fish when I play alphabet games with my children, a fact I learnt from my son's alphabet book.
Next try talking to your child about other words that begin with the same letter. They will probably be very interested, for example, to know what letter their own name begins with. After a while you can start to ask them if they recognise any of the letters.
Carry on singing the Alphabet Song with them until they can sing it for themselves. It is also useful to put up a poster with the alphabet on it in a room that the children spend a lot of time in, as this will further reinforce their alphabet learning.
Jacqui O'Brien is the Editor of eParenting.co.uk. She writes on many parenting related topics and particularly believes that education should be fun for everyone, no matter what their age. Jacqui is the mother of two lively boys who inspire her daily. Visit her website at http://www.eparenting.co.uk.
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