Written by Melissa McCall, Preschool Literacy Teacher and Consultant, MA SPED
We all know that teaching the alphabet is a big part of preschool and kindergarten—but did you know there are a lot of myths about how we’re “supposed” to do it?
As a teacher and literacy consultant, I’ve spent years diving into what the research actually says about how children learn letter names and sounds. What I’ve found has completely changed the way I teach, and it might change how you think about it as a parent and teacher, too!
Today, let’s bust three of the most common myths about teaching the alphabet to young children.
Myth #1: You should teach the alphabet in ABC order.
It might seem logical to go from A to Z, but research shows that children do not actually learn letters in alphabetical order.
In fact, research shows that:
- Children often learn the letters in their own names first.
- Some letters are easier to learn because their names include their sounds (like /b/ in “bee” or /s/ in “ess”).
- Letters at the beginning of the alphabet (A, B, C) tend to stick because they’re often used in routines and print displays.
- Letters with distinct shapes—like X or Z—are often remembered more easily.
Instead of teaching A-Z from the start, try this:
Begin with letters that are meaningful to children, like the ones in their names. Play name games, build name puzzles, label objects, and sort letters by their unique shapes. Once these letters are introduced, you can begin exposing children to different letters each day by pointing out print, playing alphabet games, and using songs. We LOVE our Moving Little Minds Alphabet Motion Flashcards to get our little ones learning letter names and sounds through body motions. Think about how letters sound, look, and show up in children’s daily environments, and let that guide your instruction!
Myth #2: One letter per week is the best way to teach the alphabet.
Teaching one letter each week sounds organized, but it’s too slow to build the connections children need.
Let’s say a child’s name is Abby. She is very likely to already knows the letters A and B. Spending two full weeks on those letters means no new learning during that time! Even more, by the time you get to Z, it’s been months since you taught C or D, and many children forget without constant review. One-letter-per-week pacing doesn’t match how children learn: through repetition, variety, and exposure.
Instead of “Letter of the Week”, try this:
Use a letter cycle approach that introduces letters in a variety of different orders through the year. Instead of mastering one letter before moving on, children get continuous exposure to many letters over time. This helps build stronger, faster recognition and prevents the start-stop trap of “letter of the week.” With this method, you’re building connections and meaningful learning.
CLICK HERE to check out our Letter Cycle Framework free guide and get started in your classroom or home today!
Myth #3: Focus on uppercase letters first.
It’s true that uppercase letters are easier to write because they use more straight lines and are often larger, but we live in a world full of lowercase letters!
Just look at books, signs, and children’s names: they’re filled with lowercase forms. If we wait too long to teach lowercase letters we may lead to confusion down the road. The letter Dd is the letter Dd, research actually proves that the uppercase letter aids in learning the lowercase. They work as a team!
Instead of constant separation, try this:
Teach uppercase and lowercase letters together. Introduce both forms side by side using hands-on activities: build with playdough, trace in sand or shaving cream, or match uppercase and lowercase puzzle pieces. Children naturally become curious about both, especially when their name includes both forms. It’s okay if children first recognize uppercase. They’ll soon begin connecting the matching lowercase forms with support and exposure.
Teaching the alphabet doesn’t have to be rigid. When we understand how children actually learn, we can create more meaningful, engaging experiences that build real literacy skills. Head over to our website at www.movinglittleminds.com to read the FULL BLOG POST about these myths.
Be sure to grab our FREE Letter Cycles resource and check out the full list of research-based tips and tools for teaching the alphabet with confidence!
Have questions or want to learn more? Email me at hello@movinglittleminds.com. Let’s build strong readers, starting with the alphabet!
