Culture and Language

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.

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.