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In the new book, The Whole Child Alphabet: How Young Children Actually Develop Literacy, author Stacy Benge, M.S. poses the question: How will you know when a child starts to comprehend the symbolic significance of the alphabet in written language? She answers:

The children will tell you. Not directly, but through their actions. Letters will start to appear on their drawings. They will let you know when they see the first letter of their name, or one of their family members, somewhere in the environment. Children might even ask you about certain letters. The important thing to notice is that the children are guiding the conversation about the alphabet, not you. If so, it is probably a good indicator that they are beginning to understand that letters are meaningful and more than just mere squiggles in the world.

How can adults promote alphabet knowledge? Introducing the alphabet at an early age does not jump-start this process. Children need to develop symbolic reasoning first, and child-led play is the best way for that to happen. It is also a good idea to demonstrate using letters in a meaningful context.

Find natural opportunities to write in front of children such as:

• Writing their names
• Writing words they ask you how to spell
• Transcribing stories they have created
• Verbally say the letters as you write them
• When reading, move your finger along the text so they can see you decode the letters to form words.

I call these interactions being spontaneously intentional. They are not planned, but you are ready and available for them when they organically occur.

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