Essential Learnings for Learning the Code B

Attitudes	Knowledge	Behavior
I believe children must be taught the alphabet. I will be most effective in teaching the alphabet when I use strategies that are meaningful and enjoyable for children. I can adapt how I promote alphabet knowledge with children whose home language is a dialect of English or is other than English and with children who present special learning needs.  I can use talking, playing, reading, writing and learning the code with assessment and curriculum to promote early literacy. (Review)	Code is a set of agreed-upon symbols for communication. (Review) The alphabetic principle is the idea that letters or groups of letters represent the sounds of spoken words. Alphabet knowledge is the ability to name letters, notice the difference between letters and identify letters quickly. The alphabet is most effectively taught in meaningful and enjoyable ways, using talking, playing, reading and writing. Alphabet teaching strategies can be adapted to meet a variety of individual needs, including: second language learners; speakers of dialects of English; and, children with physical or developmental issues.  Early literacy happens as an integrated part of a quality early childhood program. (Review)	Can describe two ways children demonstrate alphabet knowledge. Can list two meaningful and enjoyable ways to teach letters and sounds. Can describe how to use books with children to teach alphabet knowledge.  Can integrate early literacy experiences throughout every day. (Review)

 

Vocabulary Word	Alphabet knowledge
Myth	The first step to reading and writing is to memorize the alphabet.
Using Books with Children	Using books to teach the alphabet
Predictor	Knowing the alphabet by kindergarten is a strong predictor of later success in reading.

Guest Faculty: 

Chris Lonigan

Website Activities:

Video Focus - Reading with children, using books to teach the alphabet

Discussion Question - Share How You Implemented This Week's "Ideas To Do Tomorrow":

• Use a familiar book to teach letters of the alphabet.
  
• Encourage children to write their name or recognize their name

Action Plan - Try a new way to encourage children to write their name or recognize the letters in their name