What should I teach my TODDLER first: LETTERS or NUMBERS?

Question

What should I teach my TODDLER first: LETTERS or NUMBERS?

Answer 1

introduce him to numbers and letters and whatever one he shows an interest in, teach that first.

Answer 2

letters will probably be what he/she learns first in school

Answer 3

You don't have to have a special curriculum, just teach as you play.  For numbers, count everything... "How many trees are there? 1,2,3,4,5"  "How many crackers do you have?"  Point to each one as you count them.  "Can you make three paydough balls?"  Play with your child and let numbers be part of it.  My son and I also play a game where we count back and forth, eg. I say "one" and he answers "two" then I say "three" etc.  We went to twenty two without a mistake last night during dinner! (He's 28 mo.)  We started about 20 months, just by having me count small numbers while pointing the objects out in a book (eg. 1,2, what's next?  3!)  I praised a lot for right answers and then gave the right answer and recounted if he didn't answer/was wrong.  

For letters, we have sung the ABC song every time we brush his teeth for as long as we have brushed.  I also have Fridge Phonics and play with those with him.  We started with the first letter of his name "D" and would tell him that D stands for Danny, put it in the musical player and sing the song together.  Then we started on other family members: M for Mommy, N for Nana, etc.  Pretty soon we'd play a game with the ones he knows having him find the letters and bring them to us.  When friends and relatives come over, we have him do it for them, "Can you bring Pops the P for Pops?"  Of course he got tons of praise and delight from friends and relatives, plus he had a name/animal for each letter, so it was the beginning of knowing the sounds of the letters as well.  We love the LeapFrog "Letter Factory" video.  Once he knew all the capital letters and their sounds, we bought the fridge phonics extension pack (magnetic lowercase letters).  Hope that helps.      

Answer 4

You can do both.  Read him books that have letters and numbers.  Play counting games with him.  Sing the ABC song with him.  If he's a toddler (under age 3) he wont' really make much sense of them yet, but familiarizing him with them through games and books is great.

Answer 5

letters

Answer 6

Letters because they are easier to understand  for a child

Answer 7

I would teach him/her letters first. You can also tape signs on things around the house like "door", "wall", etc To help them read. Simple words at first. Mom, Dad, their name, get simple books, A is for Apple, B is for bike, very helpful. This will help them associate the letter will something and read at the same time. Also when driving you can point out M is for McDonald's. Kids love it and they learn at the same time. I did this with my daughter and she was reading before she started school. I hope this helps.

Answer 8

Numbers because he can relate them to his fingers and your phone number in case of an emergency. There's fewer numbers than letters too

Answer 9

NUMBERS ARE the MOst Easy

they can learn with their fingers

Answer 10

Numbers are easier to learn

Answer 11

numbers are usually easier than letters to learn first, because they're more concrete, which makes more sense to toddlers.  As in, it's easier to say there are 2 apples (because your little one can point to 1 and 2 apples) than to say apple starts with A.

but there is absolutely no reason to wait for them to go to school to learn letters, my 2 year old has known all his letters and numbers for months.  You don't have to wait for school to teach your kids things, toddlers are like little sponges, take advantage of that.

Answer 12

I did both at the same time. I had gotten flash cards so that way he could see it and recognize it. I also teach pre-school and that is also why I did both. Even put everything you do into teaching without your child realizing it. When you walk or pick things up (such as toys) count. With the letters, if your child has a favorite book, say the letters. Also, I have the alphabet magnets on the fridge, whenever I'm in the kitchen, use those and help them make little words making the sound of the letters as u do so. Being so young they will pick it up in no time.  

Answer 13

No reason you can't do both. They're sponges at that age :o)

Answer 14

I'm teaching both but she is picking up on numbers quicker.  I went and bought those magnetic letters and numbers and put them on the fridge so that when we go and get her milk we can do some letters and numbers

Answer 15

Numbers, but also have him tell you what things are. Like point to the cat and ask him what kind of animal it is. Stuff like that. That way he will be able to understand word sounds when he learns letters.That's how I learned to read and stuff and I did really well.  

Answer 16

I have a 2 year old and we taught him letters/words. We're teaching him numbers now but i dont think it would be a problem switching it around...toddlers are fun!

Answer 17

I would stick with simple One digit numbers at first, the letters will be easier if he understands numbers first.

Answer 18

numbers

He will learn letters in school..

Answer 19

Algebrae will teach him both! Just a thought.

Answer 20

Well, there are less numbers than letters so you might like to go for that first. However my daughter learnt the alphabet first, simply because there is a song for it : )

Answer 21

You can do both. You'll be amazed at how fast your child learns. :) I recommend starting with numbers, but discussing letters any time they come up or you can point them out. I also think Sesame Street is invaluable for toddlers! You can get the old episodes and specials pretty cheap if you have some aversion to the newer episodes. :)

Also work numbers and letters into your conversations with your child. Reading before bed time is a great way to get your child interested in learning to read. Good luck! :)

Answer 22

numbers are important do them first.......

Answer 23

I taught my toddler both at the same time throug song. They are smarter than we think. By the time mine went to kindergarten he knew letters , numbers, opposites, road signs, traffic light signs, and shapes and colors. The teachers didn't know what to make of it. Today he is 13 and all straight A's junior beta and everything. He is also 7 years in football, basketball, and baseball. He is very smart!! Children learn what they are taught, so teach early. It pays  

Answer 24

both c**p and number 2 are same