The whole class stood at the same time. “A, apple. /a/, /a/, /a/.” I looked around as they all pretended to eat an apple. They had grown so much in just the couple of months they had been in kindergarten.
Most were mastering their alphabet already. Sure, some came in knowing their letters, but some didn’t know a single letter on day 1. We took just a couple of minutes each day to recite our alphabet chant, and their progress was amazing.
That’s one reason I love our alphabet chart.
Alphabet knowledge is the foundation for reading and writing. There are countless activities you can use to teach your child the alphabet, but this free alphabet chart is another handy tool you can use multiple ways.
Did you know? It’s never too early to start introducing the alphabet. Start singing the ABC song while changing diapers, washing your hands, and casually begin to point out letters as you go throughout your daily routine.
When your child is about 2, you can start with some fun letter recognition activities. Remember to keep them fun. Our goal, even more than learning letters, is that children enjoy learning and grow in confidence. If it’s not clicking, wait a couple of months and try again. There’s still plenty of time!
For older children, you can snag our free alphabet chart. You can use this alphabet chart to play games that will help your little learner master the alphabet, and have fun doing it.
As a kindergarten teacher and a mom of 2, I have used many different methods to teach children the alphabet. Here are some of my favorite simple games:
Our Favorite Alphabet Chart Activities
1. Chant the Alphabet Chart
Every morning in my kindergarten classroom, we start off with our alphabet chant. We say the letter, name the picture while doing a motion, and the sound it makes three times. For a, with a picture of the apple, we would say “A, apple (moving our hands to our mouth like we were eating an apple), /a/, /a/, /a/.”
We say vowels twice, one with the short sound and one with the long sound. Two versions of the alphabet chart are included, so you can use the chart for our chant if you’d like.
2. Alphabet Bingo
Print off several copies of the alphabet chart, and make your own bingo cards. Each child should only have letters they have been introduced to on their card, starting with the letters in their name. If your child is just beginning to learn their alphabet, start with a 3×3 square for their bingo card. Add more as your child masters more letters.
3. Search & Find
Print two copies of the alphabet chart and cut one up. Have your child match the pieces to the alphabet chart. To make this more challenging, use a post-it note to hide some of the letters on the card.
4. Make A Puzzle
Puzzles are great for children. They develop their hand-eye coordination, confidence, problem-solving, fine motor, and spatial reasoning skills. Why not make the alphabet into a puzzle?
Print on cardstock and cut the alphabet chart like a puzzle. Your child can put it back together.
For children who are just getting started, you may want to trim the margin of the alphabet chart so only the chart remains. Highlight the outside lines so you know which pieces are the edges, and when cutting, be sure not to separate the letter and picture. You could also cut in a way that allows your child to make an alphabet train in one big line.
If your child is confident in their alphabet and starting beginning sounds, you can separate the picture and the letter to make it more tricky.
5. Alphabet Magnet Match
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Grab a set of magnetic letters (like these) and have your child match the magnet to its correct place on the chart.
6. Hide & Seek
Cut two copies of the alphabet chart, and cut one up (or use your set from the Search & Find game). Hide letters around your house. Tell your child the letters are hiding and they have to find them. Place them in the correct place on the chart when they find each letter to help keep track of which letters are still missing.
7. (BONUS) Writing Time
If your child is beginning to write, keep this alphabet chart handy. They can use the pictures as a reminder of what sounds each letter makes as they sound out words.
My students always leave kindergarten confident in their letters and sounds, and I credit it to intentional daily use of our alphabet chart. By being intentional and making it fun, you will be amazed at the growth your child makes in a short amount of time.
Grab Your Free Alphabet Chart and Bingo Card
Click here to get your free ABC chart sent straight to your inbox.
Want More?
If you liked this, you’ll love:
Recognizing Numbers: Teaching Your Child Number Recognition
Letter Recognition: Simple Activities To Teach Your Child the Alphabet
How to Teach Your Child to Write Their Name
Your Turn
What are your favorite activities for teaching the alphabet?