ABC Mistakes

kindergarten

Jun 3

Do you want your child to have a head start when it comes to reading and writing? It all starts with learning to write the ABC's. However, teaching your child to write can be a daunting task, especially when you're not sure where to begin.

That's why we're here to help! We've put together some tips on what to avoid when teaching your child to write the ABC's:

Mistake #1: Letting your child write their letters bottom up. Did you know that children who write letters from top to bottom have better letter recognition skills? Research shows that the process of forming letters while handwriting activates neural pathways associated with strong reading skills. So, encourage your child to start at the top when writing letters.

Mistake #2: Rushing into it. Are they really ready for writing? It's important to let kids explore writing utensils and build fine motor strength before jumping into writing letters. This looks like playing with play dough, scribbling, even climbing up the slide! Strong fine motor skills will ensure that they have the necessary skills and confidence to begin writing.

Mistake #3: Using worksheets or forcing tracing. While worksheets and tracing can be helpful tools, they should not be the only way your child learns to write. Encourage them to practice writing letters in a variety of ways, such as in sand or with finger paint.

Mistake #4: Thinking you need to teach the ABC's in order. Start with letters that mean something to your child - the letters in their name! This will make learning to write more personal and meaningful for your child.

Mistake #5: Not taking Master The Abc’s with Miss Beth 😉. I created a video course for you so you can know exactly what to do! Get 10 lessons on how to teach letters to make your child's confidence soar!

For more tips and insights to nurture lifelong learners, hop over to my Instagram page.

And, don't forget to explore episodes on the podcast, Play On Words, where you’ll hear more about making learning fun and accessible for all.

Featured

I’m the founder of BCR, host of the Play on Words podcast, a consultant for the Chicago Public Library, and more! On the blog, I regularly share my tips, insights, and knowledge on early literacy.