Learning ABCD & Numbers

In the evenings, Anita sits with Rahul to teach him the alphabet and counting numbers before he starts school.

Meanings in Rahul, Anita

Key words and phrases

alphabetthe set of letters used in a languageLet's learn the alphabet today.

lettera single symbol of the alphabet, like A or BCan you find the letter B?

numbera symbol used for countingCount the numbers from one to ten.

countto say numbers in orderLet's count these apples together.

spellto say or write the letters of a word in orderCan you spell your name?

coloura property like red, blue, or greenWhat colour is this ball?

shapethe form of an object, like a circle or squareThis is a triangle shape.

rhymea short poem or song with repeating soundsLet's sing a rhyme together.

repeatto say something againPlease repeat after me.

practiseto do something again and again to improveWe practise writing letters every evening.

biglarge in sizeThe elephant is big.

smalllittle in sizeThe ant is small.

squarea shape with four equal sidesDraw a square on the paper.

trianglea shape with three sidesThis roof looks like a triangle.

matchto find two things that are the sameCan you match the letter to the picture?

pointto show something with your fingerPoint to the letter A.

traceto draw over a shape or letter by following its linesTrace the letter with your finger.

singto make music with your voiceLet's sing the numbers song.

soundwhat you hear when a letter is spokenWhat sound does the letter M make?

listento pay attention to a soundListen carefully and repeat after me.

Useful sentences

Ask Can you tell me what comes after the letter C?
Answer D comes after C, Mumma!
Ask How many apples are there? Can you count them?
Answer One, two, three — there are three apples!
Ask Can you spell your name for me?
Answer R-A-H-U-L, Rahul!
Ask What shape is this?
Answer It's a circle!
Ask Shall we sing the alphabet rhyme together?
Answer Yes! I love that rhyme.
Ask Can you point to the letter A?
Answer Here it is, Mumma! A!
Ask What sound does the letter M make?
Answer Mmm, like in mango!
Ask Is a ball big or small?
Answer A ball is small, but an elephant is big!
Ask Can you trace this letter with your finger?
Answer Yes, I'm tracing it now!
Ask Shall we sing the numbers song?
Answer Yes! One, two, three, let's sing!

Dialogue

AnitaRahul, let's practise the alphabet today. Can you tell me what comes after C?

RahulD comes after C!

AnitaVery good! Now can you count these blocks for me?

RahulOne, two, three, four, five!

AnitaExcellent counting! Can you also spell your name?

RahulR-A-H-U-L!

AnitaPerfect. Let's repeat the alphabet rhyme once more before dinner.

RahulOkay, Mumma! Can we also sing the numbers song?

AnitaOf course! Let's sing it together, nice and loud.

RahulOne, two, three, four, five — I did it!

Common mistakes

Saying "tell the alphabet" instead of "say the alphabet" or "recite the alphabet."
Confusing "number" (the symbol, e.g. 5) with "numeral" in casual speech — both are acceptable for young learners, but "number" is more common.
Saying "repeat again" — "repeat" already means to do again, so "repeat" alone is correct.
Saying "say me the alphabet" instead of "say the alphabet to me" or simply "say the alphabet."
Saying "point on the letter" instead of "point to the letter."
Saying "sing me a song" — for young learners, it's simpler and just as correct to say "sing a song."

Quick quiz

1. Complete: "Can you ___ your name for me?"

2. The set of letters used in a language is called the ___.

3. To say numbers in order is to ___.

4. What shape has three sides?

5. Complete: "___ to the letter A."

6. What does "trace" mean?

Practise speaking and listening

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