The traditional ABC song is possibly the most common tool used by early education teachers to teach alphabet sequence. The song, with its catchy but easy music, is an effective tool. There are several free videos available on YouTube and on the PBS website that provide a visual depiction of the song with popular animation characters such as Elmo. These videos and songs will help you get the attention of your young students, which is often the most difficult task to achieve for many preschool and kindergarten teachers.
Puzzles are also a fun and effective way of teaching alphabet sequence. Several puzzle manufacturers offer puzzle boards that are attractive and reasonably priced. In fact, the Montessori system of education also uses several puzzles and specially designed activities, such as the moveable alphabet, to teach preschool skills such as alphabet recognition, sound and sequence. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration has developed a sequencing game where students are asked to place rockets labelled with letters to establish a connection between alphabet sequence and the launch of a space shuttle.
Coloring is also a popular activity among many preschoolers. You can download free coloring and activity sheets from websites such as Educational Coloring Pages and Preschool Coloring Book. The coloring activities are a fun way to teach alphabet sequence to young children. You may also use activity sheets that require children to identify the letter that comes before, after or in between the letters on the sheet. Choose the activity sheets according to the child’s ability as they vary widely, especially in preschoolers and kindergarteners.
Teach children to place objects in alphabetical order. This activity may be appropriate for advanced learners who recognize alphabet sounds. You may ask them to place fruits or dinosaur toys in alphabetical order. This activity helps them understand the significance of alphabet order in organizing various objects.