How to Teach the Alphabet - 4 Research-Focused Tips!

How DO You Teach the Alphabet to Preschoolers?

The Alphabet is HARD!

One of my favorite quotes to share when training parents and teachers is this: The brain is wired for language, but the alphabet is a human invention. It’s a set of symbols that we have to figure out.

When children are born, their brains are naturally wired to learn language, which is why people often say it’s best to learn a second language from birth. However, the same isn’t true for the alphabet. We have to explicitly teach children letter names, letter forms, and connect these to the sounds they represent. And let’s not forget... this is hard and confusing!

Consider how similar letters can look to a tiny three-year-old. The concept that letters p, d, and b are different can be extremely hard to grasp. Now, think about the letters "C' and "K". These letters make the exact same sound, yet they’re used differently depending on the word. Again, the alphabet is hard and confusing!

As educators, it is our duty to dive into the research and build a solid literacy foundation for our children. This work matters. By making the process of learning letters fun and engaging, we set the stage for easier transitions to more complex tasks, like phonics. When children start with a strong understanding of letter names, sounds, and formations, we are equipping them with the tools they need to become confident readers. It's up to us to make this foundation both enjoyable and effective, paving the way for lifelong literacy success.

---

4 Tips for Introducing Letters of the Alphabet

Now that we’ve established that the alphabet is hard, let’s dive into some strategies to make it easier for our children to grasp!

1 - Tip #1: Don’t Compartmentalize Letters

Teach uppercase and lowercase letters together from the start. Often times, we compare what children can do physically to what they can do cognitively. Children are more than capable of identifying both the uppercase and lowercase letters. While many uppercase letters may be easier to write, this doe does not mean that we should shelter the children from simple exposure to the lowercase letters. Imagine learning that the letter "a" is also an "A" a year later. Talk about confusing!

An "A" is an "a" is an "a". Think of a triangle—it can look different, but it’s always a triangle because it has three sides and three vertices. We expose children to different forms of triangles early on, and we should approach letters the same way. Children will encounter many different versions of a letter, so it’s essential to show them these variations from the start. Teaching only uppercase letters because they seem easier to form is doing children a disservice...and there is NO evidence supporting this practice! So, expose children to both uppercase and lowercase letters from the very beginning. After all, an "A" is an "a" is an "A"! 

What about the research?

Research shows that learning lowercase letters in more challenging that uppercase letters. It is believed that children often learn uppercase letters first because they most often see uppercase letters in their environment (book covers, snack boxes, first letter of their name, etc.). With this being said..."when children know the uppercase letter, they are sixteen times more likely to know the corresponding lowercase letter (Turnbull et al. 2010)." Jones, Cindy D., & Reutzel, D. R. (2012) point out that, “Although some teachers may traditionally teach the 26 letters first in uppercase form and then reteach the 26 letters again in lowercase letter form, this practice fails to build on students’ familiarity with uppercase letters and increases the amount of time needed to teach the letters, thus delaying students’ effective use of both uppercase and lowercase forms in reading and writing.”

2 — Tip #2: Teach the letter sounds from the start!

When it comes down to it, children don’t really need to know the names of letters. In order to read and write, letter sounds are what truly matter. Therefore, when introducing the alphabet—at any age—make sure to include the letter sound, even with the littlest learners. In addition to the fact that sounds are vital for reading and writing, research also supports that learning sounds actually HELPS children learn the letter names, too.

Studies have revealed that children learn letters more quickly when the sound is embedded in the letter name. For example, the letter "S" contains the "sss" sound, making it easier for children to remember. The letter "T" begins with the "t" sound and is therefore easier for children to learn. This accounts for nearly 14 letters!

In the Moving Little Minds Curriculum, we teach letter sounds through movement and mnemonics, both of which are strongly supported by research. Check out the curriculum HERE!

What about the Research?

An extensive study of alphabetic letter name and sound acquisition was conducted, and the results concluded that, "Our results suggest that early childhood educators consider teaching both letter names and sounds simultaneously rather than focusing solely on sound instruction. Overall trends tended to favor children in the combined letter name and sound condition..." (Piasta, S. B., & Wagner, R. K, 2010).

3 -Tip #3: Don’t neglect letter formation!

When introducing the alphabet, incorporate letter formation. Does this mean that we have to be sitting at a desk with a pencil and paper? No way! Simply introduce HOW the letters are formed through sky writing, writing on the carpet, using letter building pieces, etc. This doesn't need to be a long, drawn-out lesson, just a quick modeling and you can get more in depth at a later time.

As mentioned before, there are times when children's cognitive abilities develop ahead of physical abilities...meaning children can understand HOW letters are formed long before their fine motor skills are ready to write. Repetition is key to building brain connections, so exposing children to proper letter formation through multi-sensory activities early on can help make the transition to pencil and paper easier when the times comes. Once a child has learned to form a letter incorrectly, it can be tough to change because those patterns are already mapped in their brain. More the reason to expose early on!

What about the Research?

There have been numerus studies on the importance of handwriting in young children. In fact, in one study, “MRI scans at Indiana University (done before and after letter instruction) found that when children practiced by hand, their neural activity was far more enhanced and adult-like than those who had simply looked at their letters (Harman James 2010),” Research Review. Learning Without Tears. (2018). Handwriting is a true extension of phonological awareness skills, alphabetic knowledge, and oral language skills.

4- Tip #4: Make the alphabet relevant to children’s lives.

You’ve heard me say it before—start with children’s names when teaching the alphabet! Names hold meaning for children and can be the first step in identifying letter names and sounds. And research proves that children learn letters in their names first...another reason to start there!

Beyond names, think of other ways that the alphabet is meaningful and relevant for children. Collect environmental print from some of their favorite snacks and make connections to letters. Use fun poems to highlight different letters. Allow children to bring in objects from their homes that begin with a specific letter. Making learning meaningful is what matters most!

What about the Research?

Extensive studies on alphabet acquisition demonstrate that children typically learn the letters in their names first. In addition to names, the NAEYC states that, "When teachers connect alphabet lessons to topics of personal significance to children, such as their family, friends, or favorite activities, children are more motivated to participate actively in learning. This increases both their engagement and their ability to remember and use the letters," (www.naeyc.org/resources/pubs/books/dap-fourth-edition).

Teaching the alphabet is no easy feat, but with the right strategies, it can become both fun and impactful. By focusing on integrating both uppercase and lowercase letters, emphasizing letter sounds from the start, introducing proper letter formation, and making the alphabet relevant to children’s lives, we can set them up for future success in reading and writing. Remember, children learn best when instruction is connected to their interests and daily experiences. So, let’s make learning letters engaging, meaningful, and enjoyable for our preschoolers!

---

Don't miss an update from Moving Little Minds! SUBSCRIBE HERE!

We believe that every child deserves a bright future, and this begins with a strong foundation in early literacy skills.  At Moving Little Minds, we are dedicated to providing research-based literacy activities in fun and engaging ways!  By merging instruction with play, we ensure that children are reaching their full potential and embark on their educational journey well-prepared for the future! Let's build those KEY emergent literacy skills together.

Follow us on Instagram and Facebook!

Subscribe