Learning the ABC's: Your Native English Teacher's Guide

As a Native English Teacher, I field many questions from new parents on how and when to begin teaching their child the alphabet. My response: start now.

It's never too early to begin to make a child aware of the sounds and the shapes of the alphabet.

Learning to read is arguably the most valuable skill we can equip ourselves with. Teaching a child the ABC's though, can sometimes be a challenge!

Whatever methods you do choose, remember to make it fun. Your goal is to inspire an interest in learning, not to force feed your child.



I've compiled a list of valuable and creative methods to help you on your way.


* Don't forget to teach the sounds as well as the names of the alphabet. Teaching phonics eases a child into sounding out words and blending sounds. This enables them to eventually sound out new words instead of relying on memorization.


* Remember to expose your child to both upper and lower case letters. I like to start with the lower case as it is the most widely used. Upper case makes up only about 5% of all written word.


* Teach short lessons anywhere and everywhere. Having a lesson doesn't need to be a production. Children have short attention spans, leaving you with only 5 or 10 minutes anyway.


* Point out letters and their sounds throughout the day: on keyboards, signs, and in books. It's best to start with the beginning sound.

Example: Yes, that is a big blue fish. Fish starts with the letter f and f makes a fffffff sound. Can you think of anything else that starts with the letter f?


* Trace under the words in the book as you read. Point out the individual letters that make up words. This shows the child that there is an order to the marks on the page.


* Teach writing along with reading. Have the child trace over the letters with their crayon or finger.


* Hang an alphabet poster at the child's eye level. Review quickly once a day, pointing to each letter as you go.


* Have a letter of the week. Themes work well with children, allowing you to approach the topic from all different angles. Practice cutting, or bake cookies in the shape of the letter. Make alphabet stamps or eat alphabet soup, talking about the shapes and sounds. The possibilities are endless. The more senses you involve the higher the chance it will stick.


* Be gentle. If your child is resisting they may not be ready. Children learn naturally and spontaneously. If they hate the process you are probably trying too hard.





If English isn't your native tongue you may be concerned about using the correct pronunciation.

In addition to having a Native English Tutor and an English environment at school, there are plenty of resources on the Internet to help ensure your teaching the sounds properly.


This is a great interactive listening site. There are some great games for kids on here too.

Here is a great listening site for learning the ABC's