About the Easy Alphabet
The Easy Alphabet builds strong letter-sound links to help ensure no child 'slips through the cracks' in the formative years.
Strong letter-sound knowledge is a vital part of learning to read and write. If we cannot hear sounds within words or link letters to specific sounds we cannot decipher words for reading, writing or spelling.
The Easy Alphabet was designed to help young children build strong letter-sound links. Featuring an embedded picture mnemonic, this fun and colourful alphabet is particularly effective for those with literacy challenges, including dyslexia.
The Easy Alphabet is an integral part of the Read3 literacy intervention program but can be used with any evidence-based phonics program to maximise letter-sound knowledge. It offers struggling learners the opportunity to develop foundational skills at a similar pace to their peers.
Unlike other mnemonic alphabets, each letter in the Easy Alphabet is supported by an integrated audio-visual cue in the form of a ‘story’ that links the picture to both the sound, and the shape of the letter. Humans are natural story-tellers and the Easy Alphabet taps into that natural ability bringing extra meaning to the page, particularly for struggling readers.
Let's use 'm’ as an example. A typical alphabet may use 'moon' as the visual cue. While moon starts with ‘m’, the moon itself provides no meaningful clue as to the shape of the letter.
In the Easy Alphabet we use embedded picture mnemonics - the letter ‘m’ is represented by the pictured story “man goes over the mighty mountains". The story guides the child to think first of the 'man' parachuting down to the ground and then climbing the two 'mighty mountains'. Directional cues on how to write the letter correctly are built into the story. Our Hear, See & Say videos provide a touch cue to help the child hear and feel the sound in their mouth.
The Easy Alphabet provides the following for every letter:
- a unique and memorable picture story
- built-in directions for how to write the letter
- reinforcement of the sound of the letter
- research shows children have less trouble remembering capitals
- 95% of the content we read is lower case letters, not capitals
- when letter retention is a struggle, the single case helps reduce confusion. We focus on mastering the letter case they will use all day, every day.
"At our literacy clinic, breakthroughs with letter and sound recognition can occur in a matter of weeks using the Easy Alphabet."
Robyn Monaghan, Speech Pathologist & creator of the Easy Alphabet
Benefits of the Easy Alphabet
Embedded picture mnemonics build sound-letter links
The integrated audio-visual cue in the form of a 'story' links the picture to both the sound and the shape of the letter
Ideal for children with literacy challenges
Picture and story improve letter recall enabling faster progress
Reduces letter reversals when writing
The directional cues for writing help strengthen letter shape awareness
Integrates with any phonics program
Use with classroom phonics or Tier 2 intervention program to maximise letter and sound knowledge for every child
Inspires beginner readers
The 'story' and colourful characters enable 4-6 year olds to establish strong letter-sound links from start of journey reading journey
Australian 'beginner' font
The Easy Alphabet is made right here for Aussie kids
Who is it for?
The Easy Alphabet was designed with every young reader in mind and it can be useful for:
1. Beginner readers 4-6 years
Our fun, multi-sensory approach to building strong letter-sound knowledge makes the Easy Alphabet an ideal choice for any child aged 4-6 years who is learning to read. If there are family members who struggled when learning to read then the Easy Alphabet is a must!
2. Children with literacy challenges, including dyslexia
In the clinic, breakthroughs with letter and sound recognition occur in a matter of weeks using the Easy Alphabet. The secret is to take things slowly and only introduce a few letters at a time. Can be used in conjunction with any evidence-based phonics program including Orton-Gillingham Tier 2 intervention programs. A perfect choice for learning support teams, literacy tutors and home-based learning.
3. The Prep or Year 1 classroom
Integrate the Easy Alphabet with your current classroom phonics program to give every child the best chance of succeeding. The display cards, practice sheets and desktop alphabet strips provide an integrated approach to teaching letter-sound knowledge. Over 20% of children will have difficulty with reading beyond the early years. A sound early intervention strategy will help ensure no child 'slips through the cracks' in these formative years.
An integrated approach
When learning letters and sounds, consistency of message and repetition are vital. The Easy Alphabet product range offers an integrated approach to building strong letter-sound knowledge. A Complete Downloadable Kit is available for Single-Use (Parents) and Multi-Use (Organisations).
1. Practice Sheets
An essential first step. The Easy Alphabet Practice Sheet set includes 30 sheets - all 26 letters plus 'sh', 'ch', 'th', 'wh', 'qu' and 'ng'. Each sheet features one unique picture 'story' and provides explicit instruction on how to identify the letter sound within the story and how to say the sound correctly. Children practise drawing the picture (to improve recall of the letter shape) and writing the letter. The embedded story cue and directional arrow cues help eliminate letter reversals, a common problem for young children.
2. Hear, See & Say Videos
The Hear, See & Say animated videos provide articulatory cues to help your child increase awareness of the sounds by hearing and feeling each sound in their mouth. Multi-user MP4 videos can be inserted into PowerPoint/Google slides to support teachers with phonics instruction in the classroom.
3. Playing Cards build fluency
The Speedy3 Card Game works to build your child's recognition and instant recall of the sounds that link with single letters and common digraphs - sh, ch, th, wh, qu and ng. Featuring the Easy Alphabet, the set includes letters and both picture and 'story' cues. Three games includes, plus extend play and practice writing letters.
4. Display Cards
Our colourful display cards, featuring both the 'story' and picture cue, are ideal for visual reinforcement around the classroom or at home on the bedroom wall. The set includes 32 cards - all 26 letters of the alphabet, plus 'common digraphs sh', 'ch', 'th', 'wh', 'qu' and 'ng'. Available in A4 and A5 format.
5. Alphabet Desk Mate
The Easy Alphabet Desk Mate helps children build independence when learning to write. The desk mate features all 26 Easy Alphabet characters and their corresponding letters, plus directional cues to help ensure children form letter shapes correctly when practising writing. Place on the desk at school or home and watch letter recall and confidence grow. Included in the Easy Alphabet Printable Kit and Complete Kit.