When I first began homeschooling my daughter, Chicka Chicka Boom Boom became a daily favorite! She loved the rhythm, the illustrations, and the way the letters climbed up the coconut tree. But as fun as it was, I couldn’t help but wonder: Was this read-aloud time truly helping her learn her letters? Ever had a similar thought?
Have you ever questioned whether the alphabet books you’re reading aloud teach your child the letter names and sounds?
If so, keep reading! I’ve included easy, helpful tips and tricks PLUS 5 activites to maximize your ABC book read-aloud time!
Why is ABC Book Read Aloud Time So Valuable?
Alphabet books aren’t just fun—they’re powerful teaching tools. Here’s why they’re a great addition to your homeschool routine:
- They teach letter sequence.
- They help your child associate sounds with letters.
- They build vocabulary and spark curiosity about the world.
- They appeal to early readers who are ready to dip their toes into the waters of reading.
Tips for Making the Most of ABC Book Read Alouds
1. Read the book in its entirety first. Let your child enjoy the illustrations, rhythm, and story.
2. Focus on one or two letters. After reading, choose a letter to spotlight. Show your child the uppercase and lowercase forms, trace them with your finger, and encourage your child to skywrite the letter.
3. Make it multisensory. Incorporate hands-on activities like tracing letters in sand, forming them with playdough, or using a tactile alphabet book like Touch Think Learn ABC.
4. Reinforce with letter cards. Show your childthe uppercase alphabet letter card for T. Ask them the name of the letter. Repeat with the lowercase card. Then hold them up side by side and say, “These uppercase and lowercase letters match. They both show T.
5. Extend the learning. Find the featured letter around your home, complete a Dab a Dot ABC worksheet, or try one of the activities below.
5 Activities to Do After Your Alphabet Book Read Aloud
ONE | Create It
Create letter charts using the words and pictures from the alphabet books you read.
For example, after reading “Into the A, B, Sea” we brainstormed sea animals and listed them under the correct letters.
Other great animal ABC books include:
ABC Animal Jamboree by Giles Andreae
TWO | Touch It
Books like “Touch Think Learn ABC” let your child trace raised letters for a tactile experience.
For an inexpensive alternative, fill a zip-top bag with hair gel. Let your child trace letters on the outside for a fun sensory activity.
THREE | Write It
Encourage your child to create their own alphabet book based on a read-aloud like“A, My Name is Alice“.
They will love meeting all the characters, including Barbara, the bear with balloons for sale in Brazil. Follow the same pattern to make it personal and fun!
FOUR | Read It
Printable mini alphabet books are perfect for early readers. They build confidence, teach directionality, and reinforce letter-sound connections. These can easily become a part of your daily homeschool routine. Your child will love having their own book to read!
Need these? You can find them in my TPT shop HERE.
FIVE | Look for It
Books like “ABC: The Alphabet from the Sky” encourage letter recognition by searching for “accidental letters” in satellite images. It’s a fun way to connect learning with real-world exploration!
Need more ways to teach letter recognition?
Now you no longer have to worry if D beating E to the top of the coconut tree will teach your child their letters! By using these tips and activities, your homeschool read-aloud time can become an engaging, effective way to boost letter recognition.
Interested in finding out more about teaching alphabet recognition. Check out these related blog posts:
Grab Your Free Alphabet Arc Mat
Grab my free alphabet arc to teach letter and sound recognition HERE.
Not sure what an alphabet arc is? Don’t worry; this FREE resource will tell you everything you need to know to incorporate into your daily routine.
