One tip to help a preschooler recognize the alphabet and numbers and become a successful reader is to read with him or her. Read aloud to your child as often as you can. Find books with engaging stories and interesting pictures. While reading, point out different letters or numbers in the books. Give your child books to look at and have him or her tell you stories.
Encourage your child to find and identify letters daily. Begin with the first letter of his or her first name. Print his or her name, show him or her the first letter and point it out whenever you see it on a sign or in a book. He or she soon will begin to recognize the letter. Once he or she knows one letter, add another and another. Discuss sounds that the letters make and share words that also use the letter or letters.
When a preschooler begins to show an interest in numbers, start counting everything. Demonstrate counting by touching each object and saying the number. Count steps on a staircase or out to the car. Count cookies or carrots at snack time. Point out numbers when you see them in books or on signs.
At this age, learning about letters and numbers should be fun. There will be plenty of time for workbooks when your child gets to school. He or she will learn best when you use the preschool years to focus on developing a close bond with the child and allow learning to occur naturally during your time together. When spending time together, point out letters and numbers when you see them and encourage additional learning and curiosity.