For the Nanny or Parent who seeks ways to enhance, extend, and empower language usage among their charges, a seemingly simple, yet quite sophisticated of tasks using the alphabet can be a lifesaver on long afternoons, car rides, or waiting for appointments. We begin our verbal journey in life with the alphabet; it is indeed the “alpha” or beginning of our attempt to put meaning to sounds, events, and experiences. We continue to use these same 26 letters for the “beta”, the next steps in reading and writing, to their fullest.
Ways to Expand Language: Set the Stage
Decorate the learning space with a variety of alphabet charts, borders, blocks, cards, quilts, games, and even cloth. You will use them in the subsequent activities. Keep glue sticks, craft paper, small prizes, scented markers, alphabet cookie cutters, play clay, and other craft items handy. If you can find some small chalkboards and chalk, individual-sized, grab them!
Pick a Letter Games
Warm-up language and literacy by stimulating long –term memory using variations of “Pick a Letter” tasks. Use the chart below to configure unique tasks that tap into interests and ability levels. Feel free to mix up the task by selecting items from each category and blending in new ways.
Letter Name Acrostics
Nothing is more powerful than one’s own name. It is our history and our personal totem. It has meaning and memory, all good things for language stimulation. Use the letters on each child’s name to create acrostics to display and discuss. Depending on the ages of the children, this can be done individually or one at a time in a group learning. Write the name in a vertical line down the side of the paper or whiteboard and invite children to share words beginning with the letter that describes the unique attributes and dispositions of the child.
S assy
H elpful
A rtistic
E nergetic
Say the Alphabet Backward.
Give children review sheets and peppermints to enhance memory and alertness. Then, do a weekly challenge for children to say the alphabet “backwards” from memory.
Design Monogrammed Note Cards
For the creative spirits, use sparkly pens, calligraphy pens, and recycled holiday cards to set up a center in which artists can create personalized, monogrammed note cards.
Play the “What’s Next” Game
Stimulating auditory memory, a critical skill in language, speech, and fluency is enhanced by playing the simple “What’s Next” alphabet game. Simply form a circle and place alphabet tiles, blocks, or flashcards into a basket. Holding the basket (nanny) move around the circle in the middle and stop periodically in front of a child. Add music to this for more stimulation. The child chooses a letter and says….”What’s Next? And then supplies the answer. For example, if Linda pulled “S”….she would say “What’s Next? T is next. “
Magnetic Letter Competition
Pick up colorful, magnetic letters from a dollar store. Using tin trays, give each pair of children a paper cup of magnetic letters, randomly tossed in and have teams compete to create a word that “Sticks”.
Alphabet Letter Block Scramble (With a Timer)
This learning is taken from the formal IQ tests given to children to assess intellectual capacity for school. Using simple wooden alphabet blocks that you have assembled to make a word. Try “SCHOOL” for example. Show the child or pair of children the correct configuration, then knock it over, mix it up, and set an egg timer for 1 minute. Let them put the word back together in the correct order.
Alliteration Attack
Create 26 cards on which there is a word that begins with each of the letters of the alphabet. Put a blank space IN FRONT of the word for children to fill in as a form of alliteration. Alliteration is a stylistic literary device in which a series of words has the same consonant. It is a good way to build fluency and flexibility in expressive language. For example:
Ant (Angry or Artsy)
Basket (Blooming or Beautiful)
Alphabet Interviews
Gather a variety of alphabet books from different cultures. Include vintage and new styles. Find different shapes, sizes, and perspectives. Give children time to explore the books and then have an “Alphabet Interview” period in which children share their impressions and comparisons of the books.
Serve Alphabet Soup for lunch and create place cards using alphabet soup pasta that has been spray painted gold and glued to cards.
For more information, check out these books and resources
- Alphabet Adventure by Audrey Wood and Bruce Wood
- Alphabet City by Stephen T. Johnson
- Z is for Zamboni: A Hockey Alphabet (Sports Alphabet) by Matt Napier and Melanie Rose
- L Is for Lone Star: A Texas Alphabet (Alphabet Series) by Alan Stacey. Note: There is a book for every state in the US.
- The Construction Alphabet Book by Jerry Pallotta
- Anno’s Alphabet: An Adventure in Imagination by Anno Mitsumasa
- The Flower Alphabet Book by Jerry Pallotta
- Eating the Alphabet by Lois Ehlert
The US Nanny Association thanks all the nannies, advocates and business leaders who provide practical tips and insight to elevate our industry. Thank you for sharing your expertise.
