|
Letter knowledge (being able to recognize, name, and know the
sounds of letters) is one of the
six skills children need before they can learn to read. Learning
the alphabet is tricky business, since it’s not a word; it’s
effectively gibberish until you master it! We all learn it the same
way, by singing the ABC song. This works, because when the “words” are
attached to a melody, our brains are able to recognize them as a
pattern, which it’s then able to remember. Music builds memory. How
many times as an adult, have you tried to think of where a letter
falls in the alphabet, only to find yourself humming or singing the
song? The melody gives a context to the otherwise random string of
sounds.
This month’s song of the month is my version of the traditional
Alphabet Song. I have slowed it down and extended the timing for the
letters “l m n o p,” to make it useful in the following situations:
For use by ESL teachers
Students can look at letters in print while hearing
each one clearly sung.
CLICK HERE for printable sheets with alphabet letters.
For use with ASL
Preschoolers often learn to hand sign the
alphabet, and this slower version allows time to form the letters.
There are wonderful videos for ASL letter signs on
YouTube. Just
type in “ASL letters in their search box.
This is a good basic one for starters.
For use with older toddlers and
preschoolers
Because the song is sung slowly, you can use a book
with the printed letters of the alphabet and have time to touch each
letter, including the ever elusive l-m-n-o-p (which many children
think, at least for a while, is one letter!).
For more information
on the music and early literacy connection,
CLICK HERE.
The Alphabet Song
A,
B, C, D,
E, F, G;
H, I, J, K, L, M, N, O, P
Q R S, T U V,
W X, Y and Z
Now I know my abc's,
Next time won't you sing with me
Here are
links to additional
free Songs of the Month that help \reinforce letter knowledge:
 Apple
and An Ant
JUMP!
Take a Walk Around the Room
BEARS
|
March
2011 Song of the Month
