Toddler Letter Lessons

Our son turned two at the end of December and continues to surprise me everyday with his eagerness to learn about the world around him. As a former first grade teacher, I am a huge advocate of early literacy. You can check out easy ways to encourage literacy for little ones here: 5 Easy Ways To Promote Early Literacy. I decided once we got settled in I would begin mini “lessons” with him to learn letters and sounds. He will be attending a Mother’s Day Out next year twice a week where I will also teach. However, I want to provide as much instruction as I can at home to build a solid foundation and readiness.

I thought I would share how I am introducing letters and structuring that time together. Of course, I will adjust and adapt as he learns and I can assess what he needs. I would love to know if you work with your little ones at home and what resonates best with them!

Letter A Mini Lesson

Show the letter Aa card and introduce the name. Have fun with it and say it different ways.
Show uppercase A. Model and show “BIG A” with hand motions and deep voice. Repeat and have fun with it. Allow them to hold actual letter.
Show lowercase a. Model and show “small a” with hand motions and soft voice. Repeat and have fun with it. Allow them to hold actual letter.
Introduce the sound and repeat “Aa says a-a-a”.
With hand motions and different voices review “BIG A, small a, a-a-a”
Show 1-2 “Aa” songs on Youtube
Write three different uppercase letters on whiteboard and ask them to find big A
Write three different lowercase letters on whiteboard and ask them to find small a
Trace letters together in book and allow them to color after
Review one last time and allow them to pick a color to write Aa on a blank label
Let them wear the letter Aa for the day:)

**Extend by searching for the letter Aa in bedtime book

This only takes about 10-15 minutes which is perfect for their attention span. It is also nice to have that focused time together! I would love to know anything you do!

Blessings,

Jac