Station 5: ABC Books Summary
Using ABC books can help children connect that words they know (or new words, as in the case in this video!) start with letters from the alphabet. When using alphabet books, try to discuss what words your children know that start with that letter. If you have magnetic letters, have those out and see if your child can find the letters as you read together. This activity can be done with ABC books on any topic!
Cognitive Benefits:
Teaching and practicing letters and sounds through reading and play helps young children learn letters in ways that are engaging for them (Texas Education Agency, 2002).
Using letters that children can touch and manipulate as they read and learn helps to form stronger connections in the brain about the content they are learning (Goodstart Early Learning, 2018).
Social Emotional Benefits:
Incorporating the child’s interests (perhaps choosing an ABC book on a topic they are interested in) helps to deepen learning, engagement, and focus on the activity (McDonald, 2018). 
Motor Development Benefits:
Holding a book and turning the pages helps to build strong arms, hands, and fingers which eventually helps with writing tasks in the classroom (Victoria State Government, 2019). 
At Home Strategies:
This activity can be done with any ABC book on any topic!
Magnetic letters can be purchased inexpensively online, at big box stores, or at a dollar store and can be incorporated into many of the activities in our sessions. 
References
Goodstart Early Learning. (2018, March 12). Exploring the Benefits of Sensory Play. Goodstart Early Learning. https://www.goodstart.org.au/news-and-advice/october-2016/exploring-the-benefits-of-sensory-play 
McDonald, P. (2018, March). Observing, Planning, Guiding: How Intentional Teacher Meets Standards Through Play. NAEYC. https://www.naeyc.org/resources/pubs/yc/mar2018/observing-planning-guiding 
Texas Education Agency. (2002). The Alphabetic Principle. Reading Rockets. https://www.readingrockets.org/article/alphabetic-principle 
Victoria State Government. (2019, March 13). Fine Motor. Victoria State Government Education and Training. https://www.education.vic.gov.au/childhood/professionals/learning/ecliteracy/emergentliteracy/Pages/finemoto.aspx

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