Reasons it is useful for children to simultaneously learn the one hand alphabet - sometimes called fingerspelling or signing - and written alphabet letters:

For communication with those who are hard of hearing, deaf, have a temporary speech impediment such as a stroke or tracheotomy, or one who cannot speak, but can sign.

The one hand alphabet needs only one hand - either right or left - to make the shapes.

From my own experience it was easy to learn the one hand alphabet letters on my non-dominant after learning on my dominant hand - under one hour total for both hands.

Making the hand signs is a kinesthetic resource in learning to write the alphabet; each finger shape is completely different - none are possibly confusing opposites like 'b' and 'd' in the written alphabet.

Photos of all Alphabet Hand Signs

How I Learned to Make the One Hand Alphabet

Tragedy to Triumph - Helen Keller

Article by Susan Kramer

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Recommended
Kinesthetic Math and Language Lessons -
You´ll find 33 beginning and advanced kinesthetic math and language lessons in 78 pages for kids of all abilities in grades K-6, including teaching all ages hand signing using the one-hand alphabet with large photos of the letter shapes.


And, for ages 2 to 5, more than 10 kinesthetic learning lessons, plus rhythms, dances and exercises in this workbook Rhythms and Dances for Toddlers and Preschoolers