Letter Name
Ages: 4-7
Grades: K- 2
The letter name stage is where kids begin to learn words and read text without the support of memory and their writing becomes readable. This is an important step because this is when they begin their journey of functional reading and writing.
Sub-stages of Letter Name Stage: Writing
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Very few vowels used
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Some vowels are added
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Begin to spell short vowel patterns correctly as well as some blends and digraph.
4 things they learn in this stage.
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Long Vowels
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Short Vowels
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Digraphs: a combination of two letters representing one sound.
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Th, Ch, Sh, Wh, Ph, and Etc.
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Blends: two or more consonants are blended together.
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Bl, Sp, Fl, Gl, Dr, and Etc.
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Suggestions for what parents can do to foster reading and writing development.
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Let the kids write for themselves and spell the best they can.
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What sounds do you hear when you say that word?
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you can dictate what they want to write so they can focus on each word.
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Encourage kids to point to words as they read.
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Have them say words or name pictures out loud.
English Language Learners (ELL)
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Concept Sorts
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use objects, pictures, and known words
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helps with: show their thinking, and encourage verbal interaction.
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Word Study
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addresses confusions with sounds between English and their native language.
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Enrich Simple Text
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discuss illustrations
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share synonyms in their home language
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Books for Kids in the Letter Name Stage
Best Picture Dictionary Ever
Usborne My First Reading Library
Bob's Books set 1-5 (depending on the stage or content wanting to learn)
Apps for Kids in the Letter Name Stage
Johnston, F. R., Bear, D. R., Invernizzi, M., & Templeton, S. (2019). Words their way: Word sorts for letter name-alphabetic spellers. Harlow, England: Pearson.