In a previous post, we explained how educators at Monarch help children learn the sounds and symbols of the alphabet. Today, we are sharing materials for parents or other loving caregivers who currently serve as their child's teacher in order to replicate these lessons at home.
We acknowledge that parents already have huge responsibilities; why add letters A through Z to the lengthy list? While we believe that, ideally, teaching the alphabet would occur in partnership between the family and early childhood educators, we know that the COVID-19 pandemic has precluded many children from attending in-person preschool or kindergarten. Additionally, many in Minnesota did not have access to high-quality early childhood educational opportunities even prior to the pandemic due to both the shortage of programs and high cost associated with those that do exist.
Note: At Monarch, we strive to make our school affordable and accessible to all families. Contact Julia at julia@monarchmn.org for more information about our tuition assistance program.
First, read the Teaching the Alphabet Post that outline the lessons. Then, use the materials listed below to complete them at home.
Alphabet Cards/Posters: Etsy
Visual Discrimination: Lowercase Letters for Sorting
Pictures for Sorts: Initial Sound Cards from The Helpful Garden
Objects for Sorts (somewhat spendy): From Lakeshore, Montessori Services, or Etsy
Sounding Out Words: Word List and Letters
Letter Flash Cards: Teachers Pay Teachers
Let us know if you have any questions or need more recommendations for materials that are easy to use in the home. Please let us know if you have any questions; we are happy to prattle on more about reading and writing with young children!