15 Fun Ways to Teach Your Child the Letters of the Alphabet

As a parent, you are your child's first, and perhaps most important, teacher. Early childhood experts agree that the influence parents have on their children, even in the very early years, will affect them greatly throughout their lives. One of the most basic educational steps you can do with your child is to teach him or her the ABC's. If you're looking for a creative and unique way to help him/her learn, here are 15 ideas. Have fun!

1. Write Letters in Whipped Cream: Just grab some wax paper (or even a dark colored plate will do), and some whipped cream in a can (Reddi-Whip is great), and start writing away! If the child is a little older, encourage him to try to make letters as well with the whipped cream. Perhaps add some strawberries to help eat the cream up. This would be fun as a dessert!

2. Bake Alphabet Shaped Cookies: This one's a little high in calories, but hey, if they learn their ABC's, it's worth it! Just purchase some alphabet cookie cutters (here's one spot online you can buy them), and bake cookies, either from a mix or your own recipe. (Ready-made cookie dough will work too!) If the child is old enough, encourage him/her to stir the mix, cut them out, etc. If you want to be really creative, allow the children to decorate them with frosting, sparkles, and more. Be sure to take pictures!

3. Cut Letters Out with Play-Doh: Another idea for cookie cutters is to use them to mold play-doh into alphabet shapes. Yes, you can use the same cookie cutters, that's what dish soap is for! Store bought play-doh works great. You can also make fun recipes such as Jello Playdough, Kool-Aid Playdough, Peanut Butter Playdough, Chocolate Scented Playdough, and Frosting Playdough.

4. Serve Your Tot Alphabet Pasta: Looking for a good meal with an educational twist? Serve your child alphabet pasta! You buy it here on Amazon.com. It's also available in a can at stores such as Wal-Mart. Persuade your child to say the names of each letter before he/she eats them.