When children go to kindergarten, many times during that year they will be doing all kinds of alphabet activities. Knowing the alphabet is not required for going to school, but some programs will check if children know some letters as part of kindergarten readiness. Familiarity with letters shows some basic background and an interest in print. The years before kids go to school 
is the best time to build this letter foundation. And now is a super time with all the buzz about hockey.
Here is a terrific book that utilizes hockey to encourage learning letters, “Z is for Zamboni, A Hockey Alphabet” by Matt Napier. While this book has lots of text, even younger ones can listen to a few words from each page. Older brothers and sisters would probably enjoy reading this book outloud to younger ones, too. When watching tonight’s Stanley Cup Game #5, you and your child may see and hear other letters. Hockey scores for readiness for kindergarten, once again.