The answer I've been looking for: How to teach the alphabet in a fun way
As my child began showing an interest in reading, I wondered about the best ways to teach him the alphabet. I was most inspired when I discovered a novel, fun way to teaching letters: the Waldorf school approach.
The Waldorf teaching method focuses on developing the whole child. This means that letter learning is more than learning how to write a letter. Incorporating stories and art reach the heart, head, and hand of your child.
The Waldorf method of introducing letters encourages children to make connections to the shape of each letter. This creates a fun way of learning each letter and establishes a cue to help children remember how to write each one. The way Waldorf teaching accomplishes this is by telling a story that somehow relates to the letter. For instance, telling a story about a bear works for the letter "B." But the added step is that each story is paired with an illustration using that motif. The letter "B" will be written to look like a bear, too.
Prior to letter writing, (and ongoing afterwards, too) the Waldorf approach encourages teaching a practice called "form drawing." This allows children to practice their mastery of straight and curved lines prior to writing particular letters that follow exact shapes. Creative Form Drawing provides guidance on instructing students in form drawing. Ideally, practicing form drawing first will yield better results when children begin letter writing.
Waldorf teaching also focuses on helping students to write prior to reading. Students in Waldorf schools generate their own "textbooks" via writing in blank books. Students populate their own books, which then become their reference material. We've enjoyed these homeschool blank books, (sometimes called "main lesson books"). We designated each to a different subject (math, letters). Students can write words or sentences in the books, and then learn to read what they have written themselves.
I am definitely a fan of the creative method of Waldorf teaching. I notice that these methods speak to my heart and soul in terms of learning - meaning Waldorf seems to be true to its motto. I think the resonance I feel with these methods indicate the lack of soul awakening present in my own learning experience as a child growing in both a private and public school environment. This is a flaw I hope to fix in teaching my own children and students, as I'm sure is the goal of many teachers and parents. Aspects of the Waldorf method seem to provide me with the "how" to do that.
So what is the main principle governing Waldorf style letter introduction? Let's take a look.
Learning the Letters
Step 1: Tell a story
The key is to begin with a story that will feature your letter in some way. Here is a wonderful video that demonstrates this principle.
Ideally, the intention is not for you to read a story to your child, but to remember it and deliver it orally. Props are highly encouraged! Act out your memorized story with stuffed animals, figurines, or whatever props you can find or create. This makes the story experience more captivating and engaging for your child.
Step 2: Illustrate the letter
From your story, create an illustration or picture of your letter.
Traditionally, Waldorf teachers create beautiful chalkboard drawings. (Simply search Pinterest for "Waldorf letter chalkboard drawings" and you will see many examples. They are a delight to behold!) Often, these drawings are on display when students enter the room. They set the mood and provide some anticipation of the story to come. The child can explore the image to discover the letter "hiding" within the picture.
After the story, the teacher guides the student to draw the letter in his or her own main lesson book. This drawing will not be as elaborate as the teacher's chalkboard image, but serves to focus on the letter formation and integrating the creative aspects of connecting the letter to an image, such as a mountain or mouse for "M," or a bear for "B."
Waldorf Resources
There is a wealth of Waldorf resources available. Please note that this post contains affiliate links to resources I have purchased and used with my own child.
The Tools
Waldorf teachers frequently use Stockmar Crayon blocks for writing and drawing in main lesson books. I have to admit, I have really enjoyed using these myself when creating my own models for my child. These have allowed me to "illustrate" in a way I haven't experienced with traditional crayons and markers. Since I've always lacked drawing ability, these have been nice to give me a better sense of drawing.
Books, Books, Books!
(Top left) The Waldorf Alphabet Book is an illustrated letter book that provides an "I-Spy" game option for little ones. While certainly non-essential, it provides options for letter exploration in a unique way. They also provide inspiration for letter illustrations if you need to create your own.
(Top right) Working with LMNOP is a manual style text that accompanies the original text called LMNOP and all the letters A to Z. It can be helpful for teachers or parents who don't have much time to research themselves. It provides story ideas for each letter, along with other suggestions and tips.
(Bottom left) The Wise Enchanter is appropriate for older children who are working with letters (think more 6-year-olds than 4-year-olds). It tells an integrated story that includes a journey in which children encounter the letters.
(Bottom right) The Alphabet is an adorable story that provides an ongoing narrative about two gnomes teaching a brother and sister how to write their letters. Each chapter focuses on each letter of the alphabet. It's a fun and different approach--clever and cute, and definitely appropriate for younger letter-learners.
Illustrated Alphabet Cards
My favorite purchase of all is a high-quality set of Waldorf alphabet cards from Etsy. Print and laminate these to ensure they last. Provide them to the child to hold, or hang them across the room for a letter display.
Watercolor Painting
Waldorf methods also include wet-on-wet watercolor painting. If you dive into Waldorf, you will find a lot of instruction around this. One beautiful text is Colour Dynamics if you are interested in more instruction. Children create watercolor illustrations to complement their work in all subject areas -- such as painting a scene from one of the oral stories told in a math section or letter story, or even making their own letter cards.
With Waldorf, there is a wealth of instruction that reaches the learner's head, heart, and hand. It is one of the most welcoming school approaches I've seen.
Comments