Planned Language Approach: Alphabet Knowledge and Early Writing

As children develop alphabet knowledge, they learn to recognize and name upper- and lowercase letters. They also discover that there are sounds associated with each letter. Children's early writing progresses from making marks and scribbling to drawing, and eventually to forming letters. Children's developing writing reflects their understanding of how written language works. Learn specific strategies to support alphabet knowledge and early writing for children who are dual language learners who also have a disability or suspected delays. Explore resources related to the development of these skills in young children, as well as strategies parents and families can use to support them.

Alphabet Knowledge and Early Writing

This summary introduces alphabet knowledge and early writing, key literacy skills. Review research around why alphabet knowledge and early writing matter and the roles language and culture play. This resource explains how children develop the skills and what these skills look like at different stages in children's development. Find examples of effective alphabet knowledge and early writing practices in various early learning settings.

Teacher sharing drawing ideas with children at a classroom.

Highly Individualized Teaching Supplement

This supplement describes what we know about how children who are dual language learners and who also have a disability or suspected delay can develop alphabet knowledge and early writing. Discover highly individualized practices to support children to learn print-related skills, such as alphabet knowledge and name writing.

Teacher and children sitting in a semi-circle on the floor.

How Parents and Families Support Alphabet Knowledge and Early Writing

Discover specific research-based strategies that help infants, toddlers, and preschoolers develop key skills for their later reading success. Explore examples of how the strategies are used in daily life.

Joan Talks About the Big 5: Alphabet Knowledge and Early Writing

Kindergartner Joan tells us about the language and literacy skills she has learned since birth. Joan's stories show how knowledgeable adults provided quality environments, resources, and intentional and planned instruction that supported her language and literacy learning. Reading Joan's stories are a fun way to learn about the Big 5.

Additional Resources

Review Exploring Joan Talks: A Resource Guide for Training and Technical Assistance Providers when using Joan Talks about the Big 5 to help Head Start and child care programs implement a Planned Language Approach.

Watch the Focus on Alphabet Knowledge and Early Writing webinar to learn more about this topic.

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Culture and Language

Culture and Language