Multisensory Reading Clinic

Early Alphabetic Reading and Writing

 and Teaching the Sounds of the English Language for Reading Success

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What is Early Alphabetic Reading and Writing?

 

Early alphabetic reading and writing is the second stage of learning to read and write. This stage usually occurs around five to six years of age, when children become aware that words are made up of individual sounds. They begin to read and spell by sounding out words (phonetic decoding). When they encounter print, they use their knowledge of letter sounds to figure out how to read new words. Similarly, when spelling, they write down the sounds they hear, drawing from both what they have heard and what they have learned through reading experience—as illustrated in the sample message from one of our children below.

 

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"Mommy and Daddy, let us play electronics at 8:00"

Early Alphabetic Reading and Writing

 

The English language is based on sounds that represent the language at its elemental level. Words in English are comprised of these sounds, which children begin to learn in kindergarten and first grade. Therefore, when we teach these sounds, we must do so correctly and accurately, as they are critical for reading success. They form the foundation for learning to read, write, spell, and comprehend. Teaching the wrong sounds provides incorrect instruction, which can lead to reading failure. Conversely, teaching the correct sounds sets the stage for reading success.

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Tips for Teaching the Sounds of the English Language

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Do not teach students "ma says /ma/ as in man" (or whatever keywords you would like to use). That approach is less effective and incorrect. Also, do not teach the sound of the letter m as "ma," which is wrong—meaning, do not add an "a" to the sound of the letter m.

Instead, teach students: /m/ man. This is a simple and direct approach to teaching the sound.

 

The same applies to the letter n. Do not teach students "na says /na/ as in Nancy" (or whatever keywords you would like to use). This is less effective. The sound of the letter n does not include an "a" with it, so do not add an "a" to the sound of the letter n, like "na."

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Of all the sounds in the English language, the letter r is the most difficult to learn, especially for students with specific language difficulties. The sound of the letter r does not have an "a" before or after it. Therefore, do not teach students "ra says /ra/ as in rug" (or whatever keywords you would like to use). Do not teach "ar says /ar/ as in rug," etc., either, because that is not correct.

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Contact us for Teachers' Literacy Training

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to be continued...​