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Early Literacy for Families

Prepare your child for success in reading, school and life with these resources from San Antonio Public Library's early literacy program.

What is Letter Knowledge?

Letter knowledge is knowing letters are different from each other, knowing their names and sounds and recognizing letters everywhere. Knowing the names and sounds of letters helps children figure out how to sound out words.
 
Birth to two:
  • Help your baby and toddler see and feel different shapes as you play. (Say, "The ball is round.")
  • Read alphabet books.
  • Point out letters on toys, food boxes and other objects around the house.
  • Talk with your toddler about what is the same and what is different between two things.
 
Two- and three-year-olds, all of the above plus:
  • Help your child see different shapes and the shapes of letters.
  • Write your child's name, especially the first letter.
  • Make letters from clay or use magnetic letters.
  • Point out and name letters when reading alphabet books, signs or labels.
  • Read alphabet books with clear letters and pictures.
 
Four- and five-year-olds, all of the above plus:
  • Show your child that the same letter can look different.
  • Write words that interest your child (like "dinosaur" or "truck") using crayons, magnetic letters or pencil and paper.