Reading and Writing for Preschoolers

My daughter has mastered her ABCs and we are trying to transition into reading and writing those letters. Apart from continuing to read together we've tried a number of workbooks. The best approach I've found is to separate the two components rather than try to learn to read and write the letters together.


When learning to write the best workbook I've found is My First Book Of Uppercase Letters (Kumon Workbooks). This workbook introduces the letters in a logical sequence for fine motor skill development rather than following an alphabetical sequence. First letters with straight lines are introduced, then diagonal lines before progressing to curving letters. Though it's possible to do the same thing yourself without investing in the workbooks the workbooks provide fun colorful pages as well as numbered starting circles with corresponding stars at the finish of each stroke. Also each section begins with practice pages the introduce the new line, diagonal or curve that will be expected for that section.

The Kumon Workbooks all end with certificates of achievement. We like to make a big ceremony of the presentation and march them as a family to the wall were they will be hung for display. My daughter feels a special sense of accomplishment and we all have fun celebrating with her.

When learning to read the letters repetition seems to be the key. That being the case I would buy up any inexpensive phonics workbooks you can find. Phonics flash cards are also a big help. Start with the short vowels. Then introduce the simpler consonants like b, d, l, m, n, p, r, s and t. After we've mastered those sounds we'll move on to more difficult letter and sound combinations.