Strategy 7: Teach letters and familiar words

Continue to provide labels in a variety of text formats within the environment
Call attention to letters and words the child is currently learning in order to increase practice opportunities in a meaningful way
Introduce letters/words within contexts/experiences/activities that are meaningful and of interest to the child
Find meaningful ways to teach the alphabet, (scroll down to Module 6)
Embed and insert these letters and words in texts used throughout the day in daily living/ recreational/ scheduling activities (routines) to provide meaningful and frequent practice
Read signs and/or communications cards before/during/after community-based instruction
Expect child to recognize/use print during daily activities (e.g. find seat, names on daily schedule, personal information, lunch menu)
Match objects and pictures to print/tactile/braille words

Are you presenting materials in a consistent manner each time?
Are you using the child's preferred communication method(s)? Signing as well as speaking?
Are you allowing enough practice time before you introduce new letters and words?
Are you providing enough wait time for the child to process new information and respond?
Have you determined what object or text format you expect the child to use to initiate or respond? Is the child aware of your expectation?