Letters can be introduced from an early age through interactive play equipment such as wooden letter blocks, foam letter shapes or magnetic letters. As a child becomes aware of letters, he will begin to notice them in the world all around him -- for example, in books, on signs and on packaging. Sharing ABC books together is a simple activity that children enjoy, and repetition cements his learning.
The 26 letter names of the alphabet are oftentimes taught first. Singing songs like the alphabet song help a child to learn the letter names. Introduce letters gradually and help her learn one at a time. Making letters out of clay or dough is a hands-on approach for active learning. Reinforce a child's knowledge by looking at alphabet books and pictures of objects that start with the letter she is focusing on.
Connecting letter shapes or symbols with his name forms the next step, and a child needs to learn both upper and lower case letters. Trace letter shapes with fingers, draw letter shapes in sand or paint them with finger paints for a sensory approach. Repeat the letter names as you are doing this. Start with the letters in a child's name, as this is often the first word he will learn to write. Naming and matching games using letter cards are helpful.
When a child knows the name and shape of each letter, she next needs to learn their sounds. Some letters have more than one sound, but the most common sound is taught first. There are many phonic songs and rhymes that reinforce the letter sounds, and again, repetition is the key to successful learning. Once a child has grasped the phonic sounds of each letter, she is ready to begin connecting them to make words and developing the skills of reading and writing.