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Introducing toddlers to their ABCs and 123s is a great idea as they are little sponges for knowledge at this young. Note that I say introduce, at this age play and exploration is THE most important part of their activities.
With 4 children under foot I like to think I they have taught me a lot. One of the things I started doing early on is counting everything aloud. Those little ears and eyes are watching you and they will often repeat and model what you do. Learning mode is on permanently at this age!
My number one tip is repetition.
Where can you add these little extras throughout the day? I have a few ideas below.
5 Easy Ways to Teach your Toddler their ABCs and 123s
1. Count Out Loud and Often
We count the number of stairs we take, apples we buy at the shop, plants in our little garden patch. You can find ways to count everyday! Let your other half know what you are doing, they might like to join in and at the very least it gives him a heads up you haven’t gone crazy. 😉
2. Read Books
My youngest is a great fan of reading books, especially if Daddy is the one reading! Below are a few great books to get, most transition well into the preschool area so are worthwhile holding onto.
Read alphabet books:
- Alphablock
- Chicka Chicka Boom Boom
- Montessori: Letter Work
- Curious George’s ABCs
- Eric Carle’s ABC
- Eating the Alphabet: Fruits & Vegetables from A to Z
- Touch and Feel: ABC
Read counting books:
- Chicka Chicka 1, 2, 3
- Countablock
- 5 Busy Ducklings
- Montessori: Number Work
- Touch and Feel: 123
- Ten Black Dots
3. Sing Songs
Tunes are catchy and fun!
Sing the “Alphabet” song with your toddler, “Five Little Monkeys” and “One, Two Buckle My Shoe” for example.
Find more counting songs here.
4. Print Worksheets / Coloring pages
There are tons of websites available that have free number and letter worksheets. Personally I love to provide coloring pages!
My favorite resources:
- ABC sticker and dot marker pages
- 123 sticker and dot page
- ABC coloring pages
- Big letter little letter stamping
- Animals Number Coloring Pages
- Number sort
Playdough mats are another great way to help form the abc and 123.
5. Toys & Learning Games
Learning through play is the best way to teach!
Here are some games to play with your little one that incorporates ABC and 123.
- Caterpillar busy bag
- Counting with LEGO
- Counting puzzle
- Hunt for letter and numbers
- Count by making a flower garden
- Make an ABC photo book
- Count with some sticks
Get my new book called ABCs and 123‘s, it is full of ideas to help your child learn their ABCs and 123’s through play!
Recommended toys to buy.
- Water WOW set – my kids love these!
- Fridge magnets
- Numbers and Alphabet Sound Puzzle
- Foam Mat of Alphabet and Number Puzzle
- Classic ABC Block I also love these
- Classic Peg Puzzle
- Monkey teddy that sings the ABC song
- Alphabet Apple
- Playdough ABC 123 tools
Joyce Lee says
How old do you recommend to start teaching numbers & alphabets? Thanks
Nicolette Roux says
Take a look at this article for all the recommendations as to when to teach what 🙂
http://www.powerfulmothering.com/how-do-i-find-new-and-creative-activities-to-do-with-my-kids/