Letter Name Awareness

As young children learn the names of the letters in the alphabet, they are developing
skills that are important for their success in reading and writing. It is important to
keep in mind that teaching and learning these skills must be done in interactive, hands-
on, activities that are done for a real purpose and are meaningful. (Worksheets are not appropriate at this age).

The following are suggestions and examples of ways to support letter name awareness.

• Alphabet charts should be displayed at children’s eye level.
• Laminated alphabet strips can be applied to tabletops with wide clear plastic tape, so that theycan be washed often. These strips can be found in teacher stores as bulletin board borders.
• Alphabet charts should have pictures with each letter, so that it is easy for the child to find the letters. Pictures should be culturally appropriate and correspond to the letter.
• Alphabet puzzles should be available in the puzzle or manipulative area.
• Cookie cutter alphabet letters and numbers should be available for play dough and in the sand area.
• Sponge letters should be available in the art area.
• Letter stamps should be available in the writing area.
• A wide variety of alphabet books should be available on the book shelf in the library area and writing area.
• Provide magnetic letters in the writing area or block area.
• Each child’s name should be displayed in many places in the room (cubbies, job and attendance charts, writing area, pretend area, sign-in area, etc). Names should be clearly written capitalizing the first letter and lower case letters for the rest of the name.
• Encourage children to write their names (“sign-in”) when they arrive.
• If you write a child’s name on something, say the letters of their name out loud as you write each letter.
• Play a clapping game or make up a rhythm as you are saying each letter in a child’s name. Be consistent, using the same rhythm or clapping each time.
• Have name cards available with each child’s name and use them often during the day for transition activities, taking turns, playing games, etc.
• Encourage children to find their own name cards and place in attendance pockets.
• Point out words and letters in the environment, on walks, and on field trips. (i.e. “That sign says ‘Stop – S-t-o-p” and point to each letter as you say it.
• Play games using the alphabet. Look for letters in books, magazines, newspapers, etc.
• Use paint sticks or tongue depressors with a letter on each one. (Capital on one side and lowercase on the other.
• Give each child a stick and have the children walk around the room and find than letter around the room.
• Help the children write letters by showing them one step at a time and having fun together.
• Sing the alphabet song while pointing to each letter. Remember to sloooow down when you come to l-m-n- and o.