Upper Case vs. Lower Case:

Which Letters Should Kids Learn First?

When it comes to teaching young kids the alphabet, there’s always a debate—should they start with upper case letters, lower case letters, or both at the same time?

Some parents and teachers swear by starting with capital letters. Others insist that lower case alphabets are the way to go. And then, there are those who believe kids should learn both together.

The good news? There’s no single “right” way. Every child learns differently, and what works best often depends on their unique needs and learning style.

So, let’s break down the benefits of each approach in a way that makes sense for real life.

Ms. Candice

B.A, B.Ed, M.Ed

Proud mama of to two

of the cutest, sweetest, happiest kids, as well as a full time Kindergarten teacher and influencer.

The Case for Lower Case Letters First

Lower case letters are everywhere. They make up most of the words we read in books, on signs, and even on cereal boxes.

Since kids see lower case letters more often, recognizing them early can make reading easier down the road.

Another reason to start with lower case? They’re actually easier to write. Many upper case letters require extra strokes and more lifting of the pencil. Lower case letters tend to have simpler formations.

Diagonal lines—like the ones in ‘K’ or ‘M’—can be tricky for little hands. Lower case letters have fewer of these, making them a bit easier to master with early fine motor skills.

And since most written text is lower case, kids who learn these letters first may have an easier time decoding words when they start reading.

Sounds pretty convincing, right? But wait—upper case letters have their own perks, too.

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The Case for Upper Case Letters First

Upper case letters are big, bold, and easier to tell apart. For young kids just starting out, this can be a huge plus.

Unlike lower case letters, which have some tricky lookalikes (like ‘b’ and ‘d’ or ‘p’ and ‘q’), most upper case letters don’t have that problem. The only two that might cause a little confusion are ‘M’ and ‘W.’

Another bonus? Upper case letters are mostly made up of straight lines. Letters like ‘A,’ ‘E,’ and ‘L’ are simpler compared to some of the curvier lower case letters.

And let’s not forget how often kids see capital letters in everyday life. Street signs, store logos, and even their favorite snack packaging often use big, bold capitals.

That exposure can make learning them feel natural.

So, if upper case letters are easier to recognize, appear in everyday branding, and don’t have as many confusing shapes, it makes sense to start there, right?

Well, not so fast—because there’s a third option.

The Case for Teaching Both at the Same Time

Some educators believe that the best approach is to introduce upper and lower case letters together from the start.

Why? Because it gives kids a full-picture understanding of the alphabet. They immediately see that each upper case letter has a matching lower case version, which helps them make connections between the two.

It also prepares them for real-world reading. Since books and signs use both cases, learning them at the same time makes it easier to recognize words later on.

Writing skills also get a boost when kids learn both cases. They get used to switching between upper and lower case letters, which is helpful when they start writing their names and sentences.

Another advantage? It challenges kids in a good way. Learning two versions of each letter strengthens memory and problem-solving skills, which supports overall cognitive development.

And let’s be honest—kids love learning how to write their names. Teaching both cases from the beginning helps them do it properly, with the first letter capitalized and the rest in lower case.

So, Which Method is Best?

It really depends on your child’s learning style, age, and what feels natural for them.

If they seem drawn to big, bold letters on signs and packages, starting with upper case might make sense. If they’re already interested in books and print, lower case might be a better fit.

If you’re not sure, teaching both at the same time is always an option. Some kids pick up new concepts easily, and learning both cases together might not be overwhelming for them.

Tips for Teaching Letter Recognition

(No Matter Which Method You Choose)

No matter how you introduce the alphabet, making it fun and engaging is key. Here are a few ways to help kids learn letters in a way that sticks.

• Use real-world examples.

  Point out letters in books, on signs, and in brand logos. The more they see letters in action, the easier it is to remember them.

• Incorporate hands-on activities.

  Play with felt letters,  letter magnets, build letters with playdough, or use sidewalk chalk for a fun twist.

• Sing the alphabet song.

  It’s a classic for a reason! Singing the ABCs reinforces letter order and recognition.

• Focus on their name first.

  Kids love learning to write their own name. This is a great place to start, whether you’re teaching upper case, lower case, or both. These fun Name Letters are a great little gift for toddlers and preschoolers.

• Make it multi-sensory.

  Tracing letters in sand, using finger paints, or even writing with a stick in the dirt can make learning more engaging.

Final Thoughts

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to whether kids should learn upper or lower case letters first.

Each approach has its own benefits, and what matters most is choosing the one that works best for your child.

Lower case letters help with reading fluency and are easier to write. Upper case letters are easier to recognize and don’t have as many confusing lookalikes. Learning both together gives kids a well-rounded foundation.

At the end of the day, the best learning happens when kids are excited and engaged. Keep it fun, keep it playful, and no matter which approach you take, your child will be on their way to reading and writing success!

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