Knowing the letters by sight is one of the first steps towards reading. Children find letters they hear, then learn that every letter has a big (capital) and a small form.
What your child will learn
- Recognise capital letters A to Z
- Recognise small letters a to z
- Match each capital letter to its small letter
- Tell apart letters that look alike, such as b and d
Why small letters matter
Most of the words children will read are written in small letters, so they get lots of practice with them here. Lookalike letters — b, d, p and q, or m, n and u — are saved for the last quest, once the letters feel familiar.
Example questions
Here are a few questions like the ones in the first quest. Can you solve them?
1. Find the letter G.
- H
- K
- G
Show answer
Answer: G. This is the capital letter G. Its partner is g.
2. Find the letter S.
- N
- Y
- S
Show answer
Answer: S. This is the capital letter S. Its partner is s.
3. Find the letter T.
- S
- T
- K
Show answer
Answer: T. This is the capital letter T. Its partner is t.
Tips for grown-ups
- Point out letters on signs, cereal boxes and book covers.
- Start with the letters in your child’s name.
- Draw letters in sand, flour or with a finger on their back.