How to Develop Letter Recognition Skills of Learners?

Rhoda B. Nanglihan
Diffun Central School-ISC

The alphabet is simply a collection of letters and sounds. The ABCs are the building blocks
of language. In order to become literate, learners must be able to recognize each letter. Once armed
with that knowledge, then a child is well on the road to reading and literacy.  Letter recognition is
the foundation for developing the ability to read.  Letter recognition activities refer to the ability to
visually recognize letters of the alphabet through hands-on learning. Letter recognition is important
because it enables beginning readers to figure out how printed text is associated with the spoken
language. Having a mastery of letter names can make learning letter sounds easier for young
readers.  The sounds of many letter names are closely related to the sound the letter sounds.
As a kindergarten for more than 10 years now, Letters to be introduced per meeting that
was found effective in my part as a teachers is the Montessori Matters by Sister Mary Ellen
Carinato et al. Letters will be introduced 2, 3, or 4 at a time: First set: m  s  a  t; Second set: b 
f  o  x; Third set: w  i  g   l  j; Fourth set: c  u  p  z ng ; Fifth set: h  e  n  r  d; and Sixth set:
v  k  q  y, ṅ
Teach each letter name and sound and form to mastery before a new letter/ sound is
introduced: First, ask a question to which the response will elicit the target letter/ sound.
Learners will look for flashcards of letters hide around the room. Children will be asked to find
the cards and name the letters aloud. Second, learners will identify the letters whether it is in
upper or lower case. Third, show them how to write it. Ask them to write it on the board, with
the fingers in the air, on their palm, on their desks, and on paper as they give the sound. Fourth,
mastery means they know the letter/ sound and the form of the target letter. They can give the
sound and write the symbol. Fifth, they will use the worksheets for mastery.