Activities to Teach Alphabet Recognition

There are many activities that you can use to teach alphabet recognition. These activities include reading books and using objects like pom poms, magnetic letters, or artwork. 

Students learn best using interactive activities. Active exploration and direct instruction are essential when teaching letters or sounds. 

Sequencing Letters

Letters in their name 

There’s much debate about which order you should teach letters. I don’t have a strong opinion on this topic, but from my experience and other educators’ experiences, students learn best when their learning is the most meaningful to them. I would start with letters in their names.

Sing Songs 

Singing alphabet songs could help students learn not just letter names but letter sounds. Did you know that 21 letters also say their words like /b/ and /m/. When singing, make sure you pronounce each letter correctly. L, M, N, and O are sung in one popular alphabet song so quickly that you can’t hear the distinctive notes. 

Letter Shapes 

After your students learn letter names, you can use letter shapes to help prevent letter confusion. By comparing and contrasting letter attributes, students will solidify their ability to recognize letters correctly and automatically. 

When teaching letter shapes, start with how the shapes are the same and then discuss how they are different. 

Don’t teach the letter pairs together; wait until they can identify both letters and share how they are similar and different. 

Discuss different directions 

1. The difference in extension (b-p, d-g, q-d)
2. Left-right orientation (b-d, q-p, g-p)
3. Top-bottom orientation (m-w, n-u, M-W)
4. Line curve features (u-v, U-V)

One of my favorite handwriting curriculums (not an affiliate) is Handwriting Without Tears. I wrote about it here, but I’ve noticed that their program has worked best with my kindergarteners and first graders. The program teaches students letter formation and the similarities and differences between letters. 

Use Memory Devices

Rhymes and phrases can help students remember each letter’s attributes. 

Copy and Say 

Have students write and say the letter name while they write the letter name. 

Use Pictures 

Letters are symbols for sounds. We use sounds to read and write words. To help students to make this connection, you can use a keyword and picture with each letter. 

Letter Searches

Use a magnifying glass or pointer (or just their finger) to go on a letter search using big books or environmental print. You can take them on a letter scavenger hunt in the classroom. 

What are some activities you use to teach alphabet recognition? Let me know below. 

Happy Teaching,

Tee