Children who learn to recognize the names of the letters of the alphabet may find it easier to store the symbols in their memory bank. This makes it easier for them to later recognize print all around them. They may point out familiar letters on street signs and store signs, on product labels and in books and newspapers.
Letter recognition is helpful when children are learning the sounds associated with the letters. Children quickly discover that many of the letter names produce sounds that sound very similar. Just saying the name of a letter can help the child to recall the sound.
As children build their letter-recognition fluency, they can begin to interact with letters in many different ways. Parents and teachers can find a host of letter-recognition activities online and within coloring books and preschool board and electronic games. Children can also participate in letter-related hands-on activities like cooking and baking foods that begin with specific letters.