Alphabet Materials
More About Alphabet
Tutor Handout: Teaching Alphabet Recognition 
Why Teach Alphabet Recognition?
One of the first steps in learning to read is recognition of the alphabet. The alphabetic principle teaches that spoken language is represented by written words; words are made up of varying combinations of letters; and letters and combinations of them make up all of the sounds in spoken language. Attaching sounds to these letters and learning to write the alphabet paves the way to successful reading and writing.
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Makes Tutoring Sessions "Reading-Tutors.com is a much-needed and invaluable resource for literacy tutors. Today, we rely increasingly on tutors to help struggling readers. Yet, often these tutors are untrained volunteers who need assistance with how to help children with reading. Reading-Tutors offers professionally prepared, readily accessible, and easily used materials to make each tutoring session a success for both the tutor and the child. Tutors, teachers, parents, and children will all be thrilled with this product!" Bonnie Armbruster; Center for the Study of Reading; Chicago, IL |
Alphabet Packet Contents
Reading-Tutors provides 26 packets of alphabet materials, one for each letter. The materials are available in both Zaner-Bloser and D'Nealian styles. Each packet includes all the materials needed for a 30-minute session and contains:
- Lesson Plan/Tutor Tips - Strategies and activities for introducing and teaching a letter of the alphabet.
- Alphabet song sheet - ABC song to the tune of Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star.
- Large letter card - Display introducing one letter.
- Alphabet chant - Short rhyme with alliteration focusing on one letter of the alphabet.
- Handwriting sheets - Two practice sheets for writing a letter.
- Picture cards - Pictures with words beginning with the featured letter.
- Alphabet book - Photo booklet (featuring the targeted letter) with single words and simple sentences.
- Alphabet game - Fun way for children to practice their knowledge of letters.
Teaching the Alphabet
By age four, most children can recite the alphabet in order, but this is not enough. They must know the printed form of each letter out of order, and they must know the common sounds attached to the letters.
Reading-Tutors Alphabet lessons should be taught sequentially (from A to Z) to children lacking knowledge of the alphabet. Introducing letters using letter/keyword/picture displays, such as those provided in the packet materials, is an effective strategy for teaching the alphabet.
Assessment
It is important to assess a beginning reader's knowledge of the alphabet to plan the instruction needed. Reading-Tutors assessment forms measure a child's ability to identify uppercase and lowercase letters. Alphabet assessments forms are categorized into uppercase and lowercase letter identification and uppercase and lowercase matching.
