I love using alphabet linking charts with beginner students. It's a great way for them to begin using English language by looking at and saying letter names, sounds, and words... This is the beginning, where we get to build a strong foundation so that our students will be able to use what we teach them to learn more and more about English. 

 

Here are a few creative ways that I incorporate alphabet charts into my beginner lessons:

1. I ALWAYS read the chart by capital letter, lowercase letter, sound, word. For example, "Z - z - zzzz - zipper." I think this is the best way because it hits everything that we want them to do. They begin to look at the difference between upper- and lowercase letters, saying and hearing sounds, looking at beginning sounds of words, and how all of these things are related to each letter. Wheew! I know, that's a lot, but you guys, it's no lie when I say that this is the MOST important skill I'm looking for with new English students. A foundation is ev.ery.THING!

 

2. Give students a blank, black-and-white chart. Have them color in each little box as you introduce the new letters. Color with them and talk about that letter as you guys work.

 

3. Be consistent! Read these charts at the beginning of each lesson.

 

4. I like to play a version of "Alphabet BINGO" where you give each student alphabet charts and a BINGO dabber. Call out letter names for them to dab the letters until the entire chart is full. This activity is a great way to assess letter ID while having fun. My favorite this to use are these Ice Cream Scented Dot Markers. My kiddos swoon over them. If you don't have dabbers on hand, try using regular markers. 

 

5. Keep these to use as a resource when students are reading and/or writing. Teach them to use these charts when they're stuck and trying to figure out letter name and sound pairs. 

 

You can download this cute set in my TpT Store for free HERE. Thanks for stopping by. I hope this little gem of love helps you with your teaching.