Five Ways To Work in the ABCs and 1-2-3s

In my experience, the first-born child spends the most time on educational activities largely because they are the only child and we parents have more time to devote to the ABCs and 1-2-3s. Subsequent kids… um, well, that’s still important, but we have more plates to spin.

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So, I am always looking for quick and easy ways to help my kids learn. Here are five ways to do it.

1. My kids like to play teacher. And what does the teacher use? Dry erase markers! I picked up these dry erase alphabet cards and even my three-year-old likes them. Sometimes (when I can find my brain and remember to do it), I give him a couple of cards to work on when he is at the table and I am making his breakfast. He is occupied (I love it when they are occupied) and he learns something while he is playing.

I got the dry-erase alphabet cards at Ross for $5.99, but that is kind of a hit-or-miss find. Fortunately, there are tons of dry erase learning tools out there. In fact, we got this lined dry-erase mini-board at Michael’s for just $2.99.  My six-year-old is all about that one.

2. Another way to make learning fun is to pick up some letters and numbers for use in the bath. My kids like to sort them by color, put them in alphabetical order or spell words.

3. Leapfrog also makes those Word Whammer educational toys that can go on the refrigerator. We have this one and I like it because has evolved with my kids (who are 3 and 6).

4. Okay, so the TV is not a teacher, but if you are looking for a program that covers the basics, I like Here Come the ABC’s by If They Might Be Giants.

5. If your munchkins like the computer, I recommend Starfall.

What are some things you do to help your kids learn the basics? I’m always on the hunt for new ideas, so do share.

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