Rethinking Alphabet Learning for Kids

The ABCD song everyone teaches their kids is actually creating a hidden problem. When children learn

the alphabet through that famous tune, they memorize it as one continuous melody instead of

26 separate letters. This means when you ask them to find the letter P,

they have to start singing from A all the way through to reach it. The solution is

to teach letters in smaller chunks without the melody. Break the alphabet into groups of five

or six letters and practice them individually. Use letter blocks or flashcards and say each letter

clearly without singing. Once they can identify random letters on their own,

then you can introduce the song as a fun bonus. The goal is recognition first,