Preschool Letter Learning: Games, Books, Ideas, Lessons + FREE Printables

If you’re “preschooling” your preschooler because (a) you intend to homeschool or (b) you want them to be prepared when they start school you have to start with the basics.

While most of what I teach in a preschool setting is done by “units”, the alphabet encompasses the whole year. It’s not something you can teach in a week or two. We take each letter a week at a time and learn what it is, what sound it makes, how to write it, etc.

I would encourage you to tackle the alphabet at a similar pace tailored to your preschooler. Alternately, you can do two a week (if they catch on quickly) or spend a week on the letters in their name (especially if they are already familiar with those) before moving on to the other letters at the one or two a week pace.

Here some games and ideas to help reinforce the letters that you are teaching.

Start an alphabet book
this works well with the one-a-week sequential order pace as you can add to the book things you found that week that start with the letter you’re learning.
Create a “letter wall” or “letter board”
designate a spot near your “learning area” to highlight your letter. You can see in the picture above, we used the closet door in the playroom (where our “work area” is) because I didn’t want to tape things to the wall – the door worked well. Use this spot to highlight the activities your child has done over the week with their letter. Tracing it, writing it, coloring it. Pictures that begin with the letter, etc.
Check out this homemade Alphabet Learning Game (and download printables to make your own) here.
Read Books about the ABCs.
One favorite that comes to mind is Chicka, Chicka, Boom, Boom.
Also: Alphabet Under Construction
Eric Carle’s ABC (The World of Eric Carle)
LMNO Peas
Use playdough, wikki sticks, chenille stems or other manipulatives to “build” letters.
Check out my Pinterest Board devoted to Pre-K-K Alphabet, Phonics and Early Reading Activities
There are tons of crafts, ideas, and free printable worksheets pinned there!