There is nothing more basic than the alphabet. We all learned our ABC's by singing the song and then moving on to recognizing letters, writing our name, following the dotted lines. When I taught Pre-Kindergarten, I had to caution some parents that knowing how to print their letters is not expected on the first day of pre-school. Learning how to hold a pencil or crayon, making straight lines, circles, X's, are first steps---rushing into worksheets when a child isn't ready can cause frustration, not only to the child but to the parents.
There are many ways to teach letter formation without using pencil and paper. These ideas are truly play-based, which is the most developmentally appropriate way to teach four year olds.
--Play-doh: I know, there are many parents who don't like letting their child play with Play doh but, PLEASE, give it a chance. One small container, used on a plastic tray or place mat, while seated at a table, is manageable. Break off a piece of the doh and show your child how to roll it out, making a long "worm". As this skill is mastered, begin showing your child how to form the "worms" into letters, starting with A-B-C and eventually their name. Encourage your child to make other shapes, always being positive about the time they're spending working on the skill and their creativity.
--Salt tray: a simple plastic serving tray and a container of ordinary table salt are super for finger tracing. Make circles, lines, X's, curly Q's, squiggles. Move on to poking holes and counting. Making letters can start with A-B-C and then their name. Mom? Dad? Sister or brother's name? All good! Again, be sure to include free play time and provide plastic spoons, funnels, cups and small figures who can "live" in Salt Land!
--Shaving Cream: one of my absolute favorites, not only in the classroom but at home. Use the cream, not gel, shaving cream. Dress your child in an old shirt--although it will get messy, it won't ruin it but some children can be pre-occupied with what gets on the clothes. On a hard surface like a Formica counter top or solid surface table, squirt some shaving cream and show your child how to move it around with their hands. Shapes, lines, squiggles, patterns are all good. You may need to replenish as your child plays. Eventually, talk about pretending the table is a chalk board and start with A-B-C, moving on to their name. Tactile play can be soothing and calming to children, you may be surprised by the simple motions of moving their hands around and the effect it has on them. Oh, and your countertop will SHINE when play is over!
--Finger paint: again, this can be stressful, but Oh My! children love to finger paint! Other than actual paint, you can use pudding which cleans up in a yummy way. Use a large piece of coated paper so the child can move around a large area with the paint. As long as the paint is wet, you can create and then wipe away to create something else. Encourage movement to cover the paper and then lines and circles, moving on to letters. You can write their name at the bottom of the paper and encourge them to copy it to the best of their ability. Praise all attemtps made, even if letters aren't perfectly formed.
Remember, we want to make a child feel successful, loving the learning experience and developing a sense of "I can do that!"
