Why Mix Up the ABCs?
In the early reading years, letter identification is an essential skill. Teachers and parents of young readers need tools and resources that will keep the learning fun and playful, but provide the practice opportunities children need. The practice they receive reading this book is similar to using alphabet flash cards, but much more engaging as the letters are built into authentic, easy-to-read literature immersed in the brilliant illustrations of Daniel Wlodarski.
Many children can be taught to sing the alphabet song confidently well before they can identify all 26 letters. Music, rhythm, and rhyme can serve as memory guides as children correlate the alphabet song to the written letters. Interestingly, some of the letter names rhyme with each other. A, K, and J all have rhyming sounds. Likewise, E, D, G, P, Z, C, T, etc. also rhyme with each other. Because of the similarities in the sounds of the names of the letters, children who can rhyme will have an additional auditory cue when trying to remember the names of the letters as they sing the alphabet song, even if some rhyming letters are mixed up.
This book allows the reader to sing the alphabet song over and over again with some surprises along the way. This triggers smiles and giggles in children as they sing, "L M N O B" and other silly patterns. It also forces close reading for proper letter identification as the letters appear in unexpected places in the song. Watch and listen carefully as the children sing aloud--you might notice that it is a little harder than you expect! Because of this, the book provides good practice for children even up into second and third grades--especially those who had reduced time in the early grades due to the global pandemic.
By the end of the book, children will have had six opportunities to sing the alphabet song and practice saying the letters when they see them. The first and last time they sing, the letters are in correct alphabetical order to help reinforce the proper sequence.
On the last page of the book, children are invited to mix up the letters their own way, launching them into accompanying teacher materials and activities which are available for classroom centers and for independent practice time. Those resources can be downloaded at ABCmixup.com. Teachers can also find a 2-minute preview video on YouTube by searching for We Mix Up Our ABCs Teacher Video.
The author, Dr. Aaron Wills, has been working and playing in elementary education for over 25 years and currently designs learning experiences for children and teachers as an elementary school principal in St. Louis, Missouri, U.S.A.
