Letter recognition may seem like a straightforward process. Yet, there are many different stages in letter recognition. Preschoolers learn to scan for figures that are not pictures. Learning to recognize a letter takes time, and preschoolers learn to distinguish letters from numbers. The next stage is to link the letters to their name. Certain letters are easier to learn than others are. The orientation of some letters is difficult, for example, b, p, and g. Preschoolers also learn to recognize capital letters, and to link the right capital form with the small letter.
Learning to distinguish letters from other shapes is an important part of letter recognition. Using many senses to distinguish between letter and other shapes promotes understanding of letters. Put plastic letters and other plastic figures in a bucket with sand or water. Let preschoolers pick up a treasure, describe it and place it in either a letter or object pile. Alternatively let preschoolers close their eyes and put their hands in a bag with many shapes and small objects. Let them decide without looking if it is a letter or an object.
Mixing physical activity and letter recognition is a great way to inspire active preschoolers. Let them step on shapes on the floor and to yell out the letter's name. Write letters on medium sized rectangles. Tape each card onto the floor. Create a path with the letters in the alphabet or make a word of the cards. Alternatively, place cards in the playground, and ask them to run to the card with the letter "F."
Matching letters of many colors and shapes is a hands-on activity that promotes understanding of small and capital letters. In advance, prepare letter cards with small and capital letters and place them on a table. Let preschoolers cut out letters from cereal boxes and magazines. Put all the letters in a box and let them draw a letter. Ask them to search for the matching letter. Prompt them to look at the overall shape of the letter, and to turn their letter around until they find a match. Some letters are confusing and may cause problems since they may become a different letter if you hold it upside down or in the wrong way. Letters such as "c" and "u", and "m" and "w" are difficult to separate.