3/8/01
Question 78
Dear Preschool Teacher,
My son is 26 months old. I need some ideas on how I
can teach him his ABC's and other children songs. He does not like
when I sing or play music.
Also while reading to him he always turns the page
before I finish reading to him. When should I expect him to start
listening to the whole story? (short one's of coarse)
Teaching Toddler ABC's
Dear Teaching Toddler ABC's,
You can't expect a 2 year old to sit still for much more than a few minutes. They want to be on the go. He's also pretty young to expect him to know his ABC's. I would start with shapes and colors and expose him to the letters with books or games--anything fun! As far as books, try reading books to him that only have about 1 sentence per page. Or if he has a favorite book that has lots of words, just skip most of the words and "tell" the story of the book. My oldest child wanted me to read to him all the time. My youngest child wouldn't let me read to him at all and he was reading books to himself when he was 4.
Of course you want to teach your child things, but also remember he's only 2. Just have lots of fun with him. They grow up fast!
Peg
"Ask The Preschool
Teacher Staff"
Dear Teaching Toddler
ABC's,
It sounds like your son isn't ready yet, but I
wouldn't worry since he is only 2! Read to him whenever he will let
you, point out environmental print (fast food places, favorite
cereals, etc.) that he will recognize, spell the letters in his
name. He'll let you know when he is ready. Until then be sure to
enjoy this special time!
Kris
"Ask The Preschool
Teacher Staff"
Dear Teaching
Toddler ABC's,
He is only a
little over two, I would not worry about teaching him the ABC's
yet. Talk about the letters he sees in print. Look at
items in the grocery store or at the park on signs. With my
daughter we bought the foam bathtub letters and would spell her name
or she would show us a letter and we told her the name and something
that started with that letter. As far as the story don't try to
read all the words just tell him a story about the pictures at this
point and build to reading the words.
Sherri
"Ask The Preschool
Teacher Staff"
Dear Teaching
Toddler ABC's,
Picture books with few words or no words would
be perfect for your 26 month old. Depending on his temperament,
he may not sit for long until 4 or older. Let him tell you how
long he is interested. When he gets squirmy and restless,
suggest reading another time and have him play with something else or
look at the book by himself.
Jackie
"Ask The Preschool Teacher Staff"
