Teaching Children Letters and Numbers

Techniques for Teaching Letters and Numbers to Kids

The Importance of Reading to Your Child

When it comes to teaching letters, it's difficult to stress enough how helpful reading to your child on a regular basis can be. The more your child interacts with books, language and words, the more he or she will probably catch on. Read several books to your child that he or she enjoys multiple times so your child learns the storyline. While reading, point to the words and sound them out letter-by-letter with your child. Over time, your child will be likely to sound out words and also connect words to images, meanings and feelings.

Reading alphabet and counting-themed books to your child can be a solid exercise even before he or she understands the concepts. Encourage your child to count along with you while reading the numbering book. Similarly, have him or her predict the next letter in the alphabet book. After your child has been exposed to a number of counting and letter books, he or she can make one. Have your child write letters or numbers and draw pictures to depict them.

Alphabet Matching

A fun learning activity that you and your child can enjoy together is alphabet matching, which can be used in a wide variety of ways because it's simply a matter of matching letters to images, numbers, symbols or other letters. For example, try having your child match lowercase and uppercase letters. For a real challenge, have your child match all of the vowels together.

Number Games and Exercises

Make a habit of counting everything around your house, at a restaurant, in your car or at the park. Every time your child is around something with multiples, invite him or her to count with you. Many children love showing off their counting skills and will eagerly count things.

Post the alphabet and numbers up to ten in a central area in your house, such as the kitchen or dining room. Your child will notice the letters and numbers as he or she passes through the room. It also allows you to review these materials at any time.