For some, learning the alphabet is easy. For others, it can feel overwhelming, especially when they’re struggling, learn in a different way, or don’t respond well to traditional teaching methods.
Whether you’re a parent or a teacher of toddlers, preschoolers, kindergarteners, or children with learning needs, you probably already know the following, but I’m going to reiterate it to you because it’s important to understand.
👉 Every child will learn at their own pace
👉 Children have different ways of learning
👉 Long lessons don’t work for young children
👉 Putting pressure on your child won’t help them.
The good news is that teaching your child the alphabet doesn’t have to be time-consuming or complicated. It can be meaningful and fun and it doesn’t have to take up much of your time because it can be done using bite-sized strategies.
Although these lessons are quick-paced, they will help create a strong foundation for reading, speaking and writing.
Actionable Steps:
#1. Keep it Short
Most young children, especially those who have learning needs, autism and ADHD, learn best when instructions are clear, meaningful, to-the-point and when it’s integrated into short bursts of focused play.
Instead of creating long ABC lessons where your children will easily loose focus, try:
- Teach in 1-5 minute increments
- Repeat activities a few times throughout the day
- Make it playful so that it’s pressure-free (see this short video for specific strategies)
These mini lessons will keep your children engaged, support regulation and reduce frustration.
Staying consistent is more important than the duration of the lesson.
#2. Focus on Their Pace
Instead of pushing your child to progress, meet them where they are at by using the strategies that work for their brain. This will help them make progress.
- Some kids learn through repetition.
- Some needs visuals to go with their learning.
- Some children prefer to learn the letters in order.
- Some little ones learn best through movement.
No one answer is correct. Sometimes, it can be a mix of all of the above and that’s okay.
When your child feels safe and capable, they’ll naturally feel encouraged to learn, which will increase their progress.
#3. Take Small Steps
There’s more to learning the alphabet than just memorizing the letters. It’s about teaching your children to communicate by their confidence and connection to it.
Remember that whether you re teaching from home or if you’re in the classroom, keep the following in mind:
- Hours of practice are not necessary.
- Small and consistent moments of support are best.
- your lessons don’t have to be perfect.
Small steps add up to big growth in the long run.
Recap:
Let’s recap really quickly. Today, we looked at the following:
- The reason why it’s important to help kids who struggling with learning the alphabet.
- Ways to keep learning the alphabet fun: keep it short, focus on their pace, and take small steps.
Free Resources:
To help you along this journey, check out the goal-setting resource in my FREE Education Resource Library.
Teach your little ones how to make good choices with the following FREE Resource:
Next Steps:
If you found this video beneficial, would you do me a favor? Share this with your family, your friends, your loved ones, your co-workers or someone who you think could benefit from this. Thank you!
You’re welcome to join us inside ADHD and Autism Self Regulation by CLICKING HERE or on the fallowing image.
I’ll see you next Friday at 5:30pm PST.
Until I see you next time, remember to create, experience & teach from the heart.
Take care,
Charlotte
Disclaimer: I’m a teacher and a parent. I’m not a medical professional, so please don’t take this as medical advice. The advice that I provide in my videos and online are strategies that I have used in my own class or at home that have worked beautifully.
