How do I teach the alphabet to pre-primary children?

By APTTI Educational Content · Updated 2026-10-10 · 2 min read

Teach the alphabet through sounds before names, one or two letters a week, using songs, actions, objects that start with the sound, sand or air tracing, and games like 'I spy'. Start with listening and speaking in nursery, add letter sounds and shapes in LKG, and blend sounds into simple words in UKG. Keep sessions short (10 to 15 minutes) and playful.

What this means in practice

Children need phonological awareness (hearing sounds in words) before they can link sounds to letters. Rhymes, clapping syllables and sound games build this.

A weekly letter routine

Day 1: introduce the sound with a story and action
Day 2: sound hunt with real objects
Day 3: trace the letter in sand, on a partner's back or in the air
Day 4: sort pictures by starting sound
Day 5: make the letter with clay or sticks and review

Common mistakes

Teaching letter names only ('bee') instead of sounds ('b')
Long copying worksheets
Moving on before most children can hear the sound

Supporting children who find letters hard

Some children need more time to hear sounds and remember letter shapes. Give them extra short practice in a small group, use the same actions and objects consistently, and focus on a few sounds at a time. Multisensory methods, such as tracing letters in sand while saying the sound, help memory. Celebrate small wins. If a child shows little progress over several months, or has trouble hearing or speaking clearly, share your observations with parents.

Practical next steps

Pick a phonics order (for example s, a, t, p, i, n).
Prepare objects and pictures for each sound.
Use the same action every time.
Record which children need more practice.

ExampleIn her LKG class in Kochi, Anju introduces 's' with a snake story, children hiss and wiggle, then find 's' objects hidden in the sand tray.

What to keep in mind: Children progress at different speeds. If a child struggles to hear sounds after months of practice, discuss a hearing check with parents.

Common follow-up questions

Should I teach capital or small letters first?

Most phonics programmes start with lower-case letters, as they appear most in books.

At what age should children know the alphabet?

Many know most sounds by 5 to 6; expectations vary.

Sources

Course facts from APTTI's published course pages, checked 10 October 2026. Editorial policy.