1 cup shortening      
1 cup granulated sugar        
1/2 teaspoon salt         
1 egg        
1 cup molasses      
2 tablespoon vinegar
5 cups all-purpose flour                                      
1 1/2 teaspoon baking soda          
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon cinnamon                                          
1 teaspoon ground cloves

Thoroughly cream shortening, sugar and salt. Stir in egg, molasses and vinegar. Beat well. Add baking soda, ginger, cinnamon and cloves and stir until completely incorporated into the mixture. Work the flour into the molasses mixture until all flour is incorporated and it makes sticky dough.

Roll into a log and chill two hours. On a lightly floured surface, roll your gingerbread dough to 1/8-inch thickness. Cut into 1/2-inch wide strips. Help your child shape each strip into an alphabet letter. Place your alphabet cookies 1-inch apart on a greased or nonstick cookie sheet. Bake at 375 degrees F. for about 6 minutes. Cool slightly and remove from oven. Allow your alphabet gingerbread cookies to finish cooling on wire racks. Store in a tightly covered tin. Keeps well for 3-4 weeks.

Make several batches, so that you have three to four of each letter. Use the letters to spell the names of family members, favorite toys and other items your child interacts with daily. Have your child dictate stories and use the letters to spell each word.