Letter Recognition
+ Phonemic Awareness
= Alphabetic Principle
Letters are merely symbolic codes for what we hear. Decoding is sounding out printed words. “Phonics” refers to the knowledge of letter sounds and the ability to apply that knowledge to decoding printed words. One way to improve letter recognition in young children and struggling readers is to use an embedded alphabet. An embedded alphabet inserts letters into pictures. Embedded alphabets help children learn letter–sound correspondence by using the initial sound of a word.
Once recognizing letter-sound correspondence becomes automatic for children, remove the pictures. Embedding letters in pictures is different from the more common and current practice of placing pictures above or below the letters.
Letter Formation and Handwriting
It is best to emphasize proper letter formation at a young age while children are learning letter sounds. Simultaneous instruction in handwriting builds stronger neural connections for children and helps them remember and differentiate between letters. You can also reduce letter reversals by teaching children to form letters correctly from the start by saying the sounds out loud. For example, teaching that /c/ turns into /d/ helps a lot with b/d reversal. Children learn to form the round part first, then the stick.
Children will see that forming certain letters begins with a counterclockwise rotation while other letters start by pulling the pencil down toward the body or on a slant. If letters are grouped by how they are formed, it could be easier for children to learn.