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Alphabet Knowedge

Literacy Connections - Alphabet Knowledge

 

SUPPORTING YOUR TIGER WITH TIGER WITH ALPHABET KNOWLEDGE

 

Literacy Connections - Alphabet Knowledge (PDF Version)

 

  1. WHAT IS ALPHABET KNOWLEDGE?

Alphabet knowledge means knowing the names, shapes, and sounds of letters. It’s more than just singing the ABC song. Children must learn to recognize each letter, recall its name quickly, and connect it to the correct sound. For example, the letter M looks like “M” and “m” is called “em” and makes the /m/ sound.

  1. WHY IS ALPHABET KNOWLEDGE IMPORTANT?

Alphabet knowledge is one of the strongest predictors of future reading success. When children can quickly recognize letters and connect them to their sounds, they are ready to begin reading and spelling words. Without this foundation, it’s difficult for children to move on to phonics, fluent reading, and comprehension.

 

  1. WHY IS MY CHILD STILL PRACTICING LETTERS?

Parents sometimes feel discouraged when learning letters and sounds takes longer than expected. The truth is, every child learns at a different pace. Some children pick up letters and sounds quickly, while others need lots of practice and repetition before the information “sticks.” Research shows that it often takes many exposures before a letter and its sound are recognized automatically. If it seems like your child needs more practice, that’s completely normal. Ongoing practice helps letters move from short-term memory into long-term memory so children can use them automatically when reading and writing.

 

  1. A NOTE ABOUT SOUNDS

When teaching letter sounds, avoid adding “uh” at the end. For example, b says /b/, not “buh,” and t says /t/, not “tuh.” Adding an extra sound can make it harder for children to blend sounds smoothly when they start reading words. Encourage your child to “clip” the sounds short and clear. Scan the QR code for an example of how to say the sounds correctly.

 

Resource:

Phonemes Video

Alphabet Activities

  • Scan the QR code and have your child follow along with a reading of the alphabet chart. This is a great daily activity for quick practice!

  • Place a few letter cards or magnetic letters on the table. Call out a sound and ask your child to grab the correct letter.

  • Make flashcards using note cards. Start only with the letters that your child knows. Add one new letter at a time. As you add more new letters, continue to review the old letters so your child will recognize the letters quickly nad rodduce the sound easily. Lay out the cards face up. Say the sound of one of the letters. Have your child point to the correct card, trace it, repeat the sound and say the letter name.

  • Write letters on sticky notes. Stick them all around the house. Have your child search for the letters. When one is found, say the letter and its sound. If your child gets it right, they keep it. If not, you tell the name and sound then “hide” it again. In the beginning, choose three letters, but write those same three letters on several sticky notes.

  • Search for letters in books, on signs, or around the house. Ask, “Can you find the letter that says /s/? While in the car ask what letters they see on signs and buildings.

  • Build letters with playdough, pipe cleaners, or Wikki Stix. Say the sound as you build.