FAQs
We are glad you asked!
What's Included?
This program includes core and non-core activities, games, inspirational quotes, phonics, vocabulary, lesson plans for stations, American Sign Language, family flyers, assessments, Circle Time posters, P.E. activities, & more!
Plus, everything is color coded to help keep your reading adventure organized.
Join us on our YouTube channel to have the stories read aloud while learners follow along with the book.
Common Use Order?
It is the order that letters are used the most down to the ones used the least. Learning letters in the order they are most commonly used in print creates a faster learning curve. Everyday things like signs, labels, etc. become a teachable moment. Here is the order:
E, T, A, O, I, N, S, H, R, D, L, C, U, M, W, F, G, Y, P, B, V, K, J, X, Q, Z.
Sounds vs. Names?
Names of letters are not necessary to read. Since reading is a group of letter sounds blended together (k-a-t vs. see-a-tee), introducing names first can interfere with successful decoding (the ability to transfer words to speech) and can cause confusion. This is why we focus on letter sounds.
AlphaBeginnings includes a letter chart that helps learners remember these sounds.
CLICK HERE for more info.
Phonics?
It teaches the relationship between the letters of written language and the sounds of spoken language. It is best to teach short sounds before long sound (vowels that say their name) as well as first introducing words that follow a pattern like "cat, hat, sat" and "hit, sit, bit."
"I Read! Beginner Phonics Reader" follows this format. Word families are introduced using common use order.
CLICK HERE for more info.
Vocabulary?
Here are some reasons why it's important:
- Crucial for reading comprehension and literacy development
- Connects reading skills (phonological awareness, phonics, and fluency)
- Contributes to reading speed and fluency
- Improves reading comprehension through word recognition and meanings in a text.
That's why we created "Heard the Word?" vocabulary book with cards included.
CLICK HERE for more info.
Literature-Based?
It creates an environment for children naturally to want to keep learning because our brains are wired for storytelling. Stories give context to information, create emotional connection, and help with higher memory retention. Research shows that it helps students become better readers, writers, and thinkers (Tunnel & Jacobs, 1989). The educator facilitates understanding and growth in reading skills like comprehension, phonetic awareness, vocabulary, and parts of a book.
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Learning Stations?
Also known as "centers," these are areas in the classroom with different activities that small groups of learners can take turns completing. Here are some benefits:
- Students take ownership of their learning
- Reinforce concepts through play
- Space to practice social skills
- Builds community
- Teaches responsibility
- Educator can observe student progress and assess needs
This is why "I Lead! AlphaBeginnings Resource Guide" includes weekly lesson plans for learning stations.
CLICK HERE for more info.
Circle Time?
It is how a day starts in the classroom. Types of activities include songs, calendar, weekly letter/shape/number/color, sign language, etc. Here are some benefits:
- Fosters social development
- Builds confidence
- Reinforces classroom material
- Enhances listening skills
- Creates a sense of community
- Improves focus
- Develops language skills
This is why "I Lead! AlphaBeginnings Resource Guide" has a set of circle time posters and each activities edition includes a skills page to be posted in the circle time area.
CLICK HERE for more info.
American Sign Language?
Communication is essential and sometimes challenging for all people and relationships, even for our youngest humans. This is one reason introducing sign language (also known as ASL) to early learners is valuable. Here are some benefits:
- Bilingual can strengthen cognitive function
- Alternative workable form of communication (especially for those who struggle with expressing themselves verbally)
- Helps to encourage verbal speech
- Helps facilitate learning
- Decreases communication frustration
- Helps children remember words
- Adults can better respond to children's needs
This is why AlphaBeginnings includes ASL in our program.
CLICK HERE for more info.
"To some extent, we all use sign language to support our spoken communication. Whether it's waving to someone or pointing towards an object, these gestures are very natural in our everyday lives."
Learning Journal
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