26 Ways to Teach the Alphabet

There is something exciting about introducing and teaching the letters of the alphabet.  As years go by, we (teachers) tend to get into the same teaching patterns, and we forget to incorporate something new and fresh ideas in our teaching.

Some of these ideas have been around for a while, but I wanted to compile a list of fun and engaging activities you can use to teach the letters throughout the year.

Here are 26 ways to teach the Alphabet:

1.  Letter Find

Click here to check them out.

2.  Letter Songs by Have Fun Teaching

My kiddos LOVED these alphabet songs!  It was the perfect way to grab their attention and introduce each letter.  We also listened to these all throughout the year during transitions and as a review.

3.  Letter Practice

After introducing each letter my students would fill in a circle map of everything that starts with that letter and then do some handwriting practice.  Click here to check go the practice pages.

4.  Play-Doh Letters

5.  Circle Maps

These are perfect to do whole group when introducing the letters.

I snagged this from Smedley's Smorgasboard's post on ABC Bootcamp.

6.  Starfall

I loved doing each letter on my Promethean Board or as a review for a quick introduction.  My kiddos also loved going to this site during computer lab.

7.  Letter Poems

These are from Mrs. Jones's Kindergarten.  I couldn't find any pictures of the letter poems we did in my class, but her's are adorable! You can check them out by clicking here.

8.  Craft Projects

Click here to check these out!

9.  Letter and Number Sort

I use this at the very beginning of the year when I need my kinders to do something easy on their own.

10.  Alphabet Chart

Here's a FREE one I found from Maria Manore.

11.  Letters Posted in a print rich classroom!

Excuse the picture.. For some reason I couldn't find a better view of my letters posted.  This was from our Kindergarten Graduation one year.

12.  Alphabet Books

I like to do these books after introducing all letters.  It gives me a great idea of who is still struggling and with what letters.

You can purchase this printable book here.

13.  Art Alphabet Book

I did this art book at the beginning of every year I taught K.

You can find the idea here.

14.  Anchor Charts

Mine did not look this cute!  Click here to check out A cupcake for the Teacher's post on these adorable charts.

15.  Do a Dot Letters

These would be especially good for Pre-k children.  I just LOVE these!!  I am going to print this out ASAP to do with Sara.  

Click here to check them out!

16.  Magnetic Letters

Click here to check out this momma's post and the freebie!

17.  Sensory Alpha Activities

There were so many ideas on Pinterest for "Sensory Alphabet" I couldn't pick just one!  Just remember, every child learns differently, and especially ages 4-6 it is incredibly important to incorporate hands on activities!!!

18.  Interactive Pocket Chart & Anchor Charts

Until I had a Promethean Board (and still some after) I would use magnetic letters and this chart to act out the story Chicka Chicka Boom Boom. 

19.  Dr. Jean Songs

There are so many awesome alphabet songs.  This one is probably one of my favorites!!

20.  RTI Kinder Activities from Abby Mullins

Click here to visit Abby's post about it.

21.  Dry Erase Handwriting Practice

I found these at Target in the dollar spot! Score!!!

These are great for an added Literacy Center, I'm done activity, homeschool or Pre-K fun and so much more!  You can even stick these in your busy bag for church!!

22.  Sound Sorts

You can purchase these here.

23.  Magic Letters

Love this idea from No time for Flashcards.  

Check out her post here!

24.  Literacy Centers

If you're like me and you teach thematically, then incorperating the alphabet in centers is a must!  This simple center is in my February Math and Literacy Center unit.

25.  Chicka Chicka & Other Alpha Books

I ALWAYS do this book at the beginning of the year.  It's definitely one of my favs!  Here's my post about it.

26.  Alphabet Websites and Games

It look's like someone has created a Symbaloo with all kinds of websites for learning the alphabet.  Click the picture to check it out!

I hope you all found some great ideas that you will incorporate next time you plan to teach a letter!

Have a great week!!!

Some have to's for Back to School!

Welp, it's Back to School time and you know what that means.. If you aren't already, you're about to be incredibly busy!  Here are a few B2S tips that can help reduce a little of that stress you are about to experience.

 

Every year before meeting my kiddos I always wondered what they would act like, do they have any allergies, do they know their letters yet, have they been to pre-school, etc...  In my Back to School Pack I have a simple form for parents to fill out at registration, Parent Orientation, or even on the first day of school that will help you get to know their child a little bit.

 

 

You should also have a behavior system already up and ready to go the minute every child walks through the door.  If you are using clothespins, magnets, cards-- whatever you use-- keep extras close by.  That way, if you get a new student you're not caught off guard with your jaw to the floor saying ummmm hold on.. while everyone waits for you!

This teacher has a free clip chart on her blog!  It's pretty cute too!!

Be prepared with something simple and self explanatory for your kids to do when they walk in the room.  It might be blocks, puzzles, a simple sorting activity.  Keep in mind-- you are going to have a lot of parents and children coming in at once.  So, have something simple and easy for them to do!

 

 

This is from my Letter or Number Sort pack.  There are also a few of these in my Back to School pack as well.

 

Make sure to keep an updated transportation list at all times!!!!!  At the beginning of the year, my kids will change their transportation 3-4 times.  If the office calls your room, you should be able to tell them immediately where all your kids can be located- Bus, Car, Van, etc...  Here is a little freebie to help keep track of transportation.

 

 

Here are some of my must have products for Back to School:

 

 

 

 

 

I hope your week is going great!  Check back tomorrow for my very first LINKY!!!!

 



My Alphabet Book

While planning for my return to school for my last few weeks, I created a simple little alphabet book to use with my kids to review all the letters. 

Here is a picture of my sample:

We colored the front and wrote our name.  Then, I told them we were going to review all the letters.  We would only do 5-6 letters a day during LAWS (language arts writing and spelling).

First, I showed them the letter video on youtube.

 

Then, they would think of something that starts with A.  After they finish drawing their picture and writing their word, I would call on every child to quickly tell me something that starts with that letter.

I did the same thing for each letter.



My kids really seem to be enjoying it! It's quick, easy, and they love coming up with a word that no one else has done!  You might also consider purchasing this for back to school time.. just a thought! 

Click the picture to check it out!!!

New Pack: Letter Find (A-Z)

I finally finished this pack!!! I have been working on it for a while now-- a lot of copy and paste!  Whew!  I can't wait to use it with my new bunch come August!! 

Here are some sample pages to look at:

Click the picture to check it out!

The first 2 people to comment--- get this pack for FREE (don't forget to leave your email address)!!! 

Happy Friday!