There are 26 letters in our alphabet, and they hold the key to cracking the code of our written language. With letters and letter combinations we can represent sounds to read and build words. So how are we incorporating the Science of Reading alphabet activities so students can crack the code? Let’s take a look!

Check out these related posts:

• SoR Sample Classroom Schedule
• Sound Wall Instructional Tips
• Activities to Teach the Alphabet in Kindergarten

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Sound First Approach

A sound first approach means that you are teaching the sound first and then the letter as a way to spell that sound. This speech-to-print approach highlights the phoneme (sound) and then links it to a grapheme (letter or combination of letters). There are 26 letters in the English language but 44 phonemes (units of sounds). Letters are a symbol so it’s important to focus on teaching sounds and moving from speech to print!

Sound walls are great tools when moving from speech to print. A sound wall is helpful with sound formation, mouth articulation, and connecting phonemes to graphemes. Read more about using a sound wall HERE.

Explicit and Systematic Instruction

Instruction should be explicit and systematic when aligning alphabet lessons with SoR. Systematic instruction means that one phonics sound is learned at a time and provides a structured learning process. Explicit instruction means that sound-spelling patterns are directly taught which helps students form connections between letters and sounds.

Get all of your alphabet activities by letter inside Simply Kinder + Printable Membership here! Yes, an Alphabet Directory for each letter. Just click on the letter you’re teaching and pick the activities that work best for your students!

Alphabet Lesson Example

Check out this simple to follow routine when introducing sounds.

• Introduce the new sound. Today we will learn the /t/ sound.
• Make the sound – Students can use mirrors to watch their mouths as they form the sound. Point out motions so students see and feel them.
• Connect a keyword and picture to the sound. Practice bouncing the sound into the keyword and other examples.
• Find and Sort Pictures – Students can help locate or sort pictures that begin with the targeted sound.
• Introduce the letter. Point out that this letter is ONE way we can spell the sound.
• Locate the letter on the classroom alphabet.
• Locate the sound on the sound wall. Unlock the grapheme to represent the sound.
• Practice Letter Formation. Complete with upper and lowercase letters.
• Review the Sound and Identify the letter.

Make sure to keep the routine consistent so students can focus on learning the content!

Multisensory Letter Practice

Incorporate some hands-on fun with playdough, stickers, sand, & more! Create centers where students can practice independently to reinforce letters & sounds in a fun way!

Looking for some ideas? Simply Kinder has many alphabet activities as part of the Morning Bins bundle here!

Alphabet Slides and Books

Simply Kinder has what you need to align your alphabet lessons with SoR. These systematic and explicit lessons follow a structured routine for introducing the alphabet. Digital slides accompany each letter and provide the following:

• Alliteration Phrases for Phonemic Awareness
• How to Make the Sound
• Is the Sound Continuous or Stop?
• Is the Sound Voiced or Unvoiced?
• Science of Reading Aligned Keyword
• Sound Practice
• Picture Search for Initial Sound
• Pocket Chart Sort
• Alphabet Wall Chart
• Sound Wall Chart
• Find the Letter
• Letter Formation Uppercase & Lowercase Practice
• Fun Interactive Pages

Each letter also comes with a printable alphabet book that supports the phonics lesson. Grab your Alphabet & Sound Slides & Matching Book Bundle HERE from Simply Kinder.

We hope this helpful information has you feeling more confident aligning your alphabet lessons with SoR. Let us know what works in your classroom! Please make sure to tag us on Instagram here or share inside the Simply Kinder Teacher Facebook Group here.