Recently I started working through the alphabet with my three-year-old. I have tried several different ways in the past but with no success. In the past, though, he either lost interest or I simply forgot to review the letters with him. This time I decided to teach him one letter a week.

Here’s my approach: I print out a coloring page for each letter and glue each page on a manila folder so I have a total of 26 folders. When I teach each letter, I make sure I teach both the upper and lower case. I have him point out the letter and say, for example, “big A” or “small a”. Afterwards I have him point to each picture and locate the letter “a”. I also teach the letter sound. After he can recognize the letter, I tell him what sound the letter makes. For the following day, I find a picture in a magazine, ad, or catalog that starts with the letter of the week. For example, if we are studying the letter “a”, I cut out a picture of the apple and paste it on the inside of the folder. I write the word “apple” below the picture.

My son really enjoys this little activity. My oldest one likes helping me locate pictures and write the names. The whole process takes about five minutes. I review the letter again the following day and cut out new pictures for that letter. I move on to the next letter when I know he knows the letter well. When we are studying a new letter, I make sure I review the previously learned letters as well. Thus far my son seems to enjoy learning his letters and he’s catching on quite well!