9 Simple Ways to Teach the Alphabet to Preschoolers

Don’t let the thought of teaching the alphabet intimidate you. Come discover nine simple ways to teach the alphabet to your preschoolers.

In addition to filling your book basket with alphabet books, there are many tricks and tools you can use to reinforce letter recognition and then move on to letter sounds.

Teaching the Alphabet

Here is a collection of simple ways to teach the alphabet in your homeschool preschool.

Read!

Read, read, and read some more. Introduce your preschoolers to picture books and easy chapter books. If you show an interest in books, they’ll show an interest in reading with you. When you read alphabet books, your little ones will begin to recognize their letters and the sounds they make.

Point out letters and words in your child’s environment.

Notice signs and storefronts as you drive through town. Bring attention to words and letters on a cereal box or other packaging in your home. Help kids notice how letters make up the words that name the things around them.

Playdough.

Playdough is always a great teaching tool. Kids can roll out playdough ‘snakes’ to form the letters of the alphabet. They can press buttons or beans into playdough to ‘write’ a letter or word. Those are two of the three ideas Sara, one of the writers on this blog, shared in 3 Ways to Learn the Alphabet with Playdough.

Printables.

There is no shortage of alphabet themed printables on Pinterest and here on the blog. Once I kick off my Letter of the Week series, there will be even more.

Be sure to check out the following printables here on Homeschool Preschool: Focus on the Alphabet, Winter Alphabet Sorting Mats, Alphabet Posters, Alphabet Dot Activity Pages.

Magnets.

Most preschool moms I know have a set of letter magnets on the refrigerator. If you don’t, you can find them at your local dollar store or on Amazon. With letter magnets, you can introduce your preschoolers to the basics of phonics – letter recognition, letter sounds, and beginning blends.

6. Posters.

Print or purchase letter posters to hang in your child’s playroom, homeschool room, or bedroom. Let your preschoolers become familiar with the way each letter looks and objects that begin with that letter’s sound. I have some fun alphabet posters here on the blog, and here are a few choices I found on Amazon.

Play the ABC game in the car.

While you’re driving around town, search for each letter of the alphabet on billboards, store and restaurant signs, highway signs, and even on big rig trucks driving beside you.

Alphabet Cookies.

When snack time rolls around, make alphabet cookies with ABC cookie cutters. You can use refrigerated cookie dough or whip up a batch from scratch.

Scavenger Hunts

Go on an alphabet scavenger hunt. Send your kids around the house looking for items that start with a certain letter. Go on a nature walk and see if you guys can find something that begins with each letter of the alphabet.

Alphabet Books

Alphabet books are a great way to help preschoolers and kindergarteners learn their letters. And they don’t have to be boring, either!

There are all sorts of fun and engaging alphabet books out there, from books that teach the letters through rhyming verses to books that feature adorable animals.

Alphabet books can also be a great way for parents and caregivers to bond with their little ones. Reading together is always a special time, and it’s even more special when you’re sharing a book that’s helping your child learn something new.

So whether you’re looking for a gift for a preschooler in your life or you just want to add some new titles to your home library, be sure to check out some alphabet books for kids!

• ABC’s for Boys – This one of a kind, hand illustrated alphabet book combines letters with all of boys’ favorite things–airplanes, dump trucks, and more!

• Alpha Oops! The Day Z Went First – It’s chaos! It’s pandemonium! And it’s definitely not as easy as A-B-C! Here’s a snappy story about the comic confusion that comes when the letters of the alphabet, like a class of unruly children, step out of order and show that each one has a mind of its own.

• Pinkalicious ABC – A is for Apple. B is for Bubble Bath. C is for Cupcake. What could be better than learning your ABC’s with Pinkalicious in this pinkamazing board book?

What activities can I do with my preschooler to help them learn the alphabet?

This sweet set of 26 fabric letters is a great way for your child to play and learn the alphabet. Safe for all ages. And can be machine washed and dried using a small mesh bag.

These epoxy sprinkle letters are so much fun! They can be used in sensory bins , alongside educational activities, or on their own! 26 letters included!

What is your favorite way to teach the alphabet?

Tara

Tara is the brains behind Homeschool Preschool, where her journey from preschool and public school teacher to homeschooling mom of three fuels her passion for early childhood education. With a blend of expertise and firsthand experience, Tara’s writings offer practical tips and engaging resources to support families in creating meaningful learning adventures at home.