Drivin' along with the ABCs

When we would go buy a new car our young children always wanted the ones with the bells and whistles.  You know, the DVD, game center stuff.  I would always state that we were not going to sacrifice oral language and opportune learning times for movies and games in the car.  I explained that we would sing and talk and play learning games.  For the last car or 'mini-van' buying expedition they were pretty much grown.  However, again, they lamented how everyone else had cool cars.  Before I could get the words out of my mouth they emphatically stated that their oral language was very developed and could we please have the DVD.  Nope!

I have written a few times about the importance of letter recognition and how easily (and naturally) they can be taught.  Of course you are already writing your child's name around in places and saying things like, That spells your name.  The letters are---.  But, are you utilizing the car time?

We are all in the car for long periods of time.  Use that time, they are captive audiences!  Here are just a few things to do to support letter identification and letter sounds while driving around.
1. As you drive have your child look for the letters in their name as you pass billboards and other signs.  If needed, start with having them look for the first letter, then add the other letters.
2.  Look for the ABCs.  While driving, have your child look for an 'a', then 'b' and so on.
3. Have your child look for things that begin the same way as their name.
4. You call out a letter and they look for it.
5. You say a word, example car, they have to say another word that begins the same way.
6. For advance kiddos play #5 game again but this time they have to come up with a word that starts like the ending.  You say, car, they must say a word that begins with the letter 'r'.
7. As you pass things call is out and ask them what letter or sound it begins with.   For example, We just passed a truck.  What letter (sound) does truck begin with? We just passed Target, what sound do you hear at the beginning of Target?

It really is very fun and they will think of other games to play.  So use that time wisely.