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12/10/00
Question 51
Dear Preschool Teacher,
I am about to start a mothers day out program at my church and
will have a group of 4 year olds and I would like to know what you
think the best way to teach them the alphabet and how to recognize
them. Should I concentrate on a few letters a day? What is the best
way to handle this?
4 year olds and the Alphabet
Dear 4 year olds and the Alphabet,
I only concentrate on one letter a week. If I had more time, I would take more time with each letter; but I barely get all the letters in during the 9 months school is in session. I think doing more than one letter at a time would be
confusing.
Peg
"Ask The Preschool Teacher Staff"
Dear 4 year olds and the Alphabet,
Play games with the letters. Many 4's will only learn a few of
the letters anyway, so have fun. It is best not to pressure 4 yr. olds to
memorize letters. They don't have any meaning to the children. Play " I
Spy", use popular logos or signs, and write their names. It is important
that they learn to recognize their names and these words and letters do have
meaning for them. Use family names like mom and dad too. The children
really need to know colors and shapes before their letters so maybe you
could do some fun things with them. You didn't say how often you meet? If
it is only once a week they may not retain a lot from week to week. Have
something to take home so parents can talk about the things you teach and
reinforce them at home!
Jackie
"Ask The Preschool Teacher Staff"
Dear 4 year olds and the
Alphabet,
I believe in "incidental" learning. Four-year-olds learn best by learning
things that are around them. During circle time use name cards to say hello
to everyone. Maybe even spell out the child's name.
Print anything and everything you can. If your unit is on Apples, have an
"apple card" with the spelling and picture. Do this with each area of
study. You'll be surprised all the word cards you will accumulate. Label
objects in the room: light switch, table, chair, sink. You can even label
the bins (crayons, scissors, scraps, paper, etc.) It helps with pick up to
have them labeled.
I hope these suggestions help.
Annie
"Ask The Preschool Teacher Staff"
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