Did the alphabet get a major glow-up? A recent TikTok from a first-grade teacher suggests it did by bringing attention to a new version.
In the video, creator @teacherrachelsorsel indicates that there might just be a better way to teach kids A to Z by putting a small twist on the classic alphabet song we all know by heart.
But, it comes at a price. In the new version, our beloved “ellemenopee” sadly gets the axe.
The creator says when students hear and sing the classic song, they often don’t hear the individual letters L-M-N-O-P, and some of them even think “ellemenopee” is a single (if long-named) letter. Cute, yes, but not ideal when you’re a teacher trying to get the lesson across.
She teaches the new version in her classroom, which instead breaks up the letters like this, while still sung to the original tune: ABCDEFG / HIJKLMN / OPQ / RST / UVW / XYZ.
One other small but meaningful difference: The final three notes are “XYZ,” not “Y and Z”, which can confuse some kids, as they may think the “and” is an “N” when singing.
Commenters on the TikTok video had plenty of jokes. “First they came for Pluto, and I said nothing…” wrote one. “LMNOP got me through a lot. We will never forget you. RIP,” joked another.
What Experts Think About the New ABC Version
Carly Tulloch, speech language pathologist and co-founder of Wee Talkers, loves the new and improved version of the classic song.
“This is so much better,” says Tulloch. “The new version differentiates each letter name so children can more easily hear and understand the name of each letter. The old version blends them all together in one hard-to-understand chunk.”
Jennifer Romanoff, Vice President of Curriculum at Lightbridge Academy, agrees and makes a great point: the added clarity could be a big deal to some kids who struggle with learning language, even though it seems like such a simple change.
“Another benefit to changing song lyrics [as in the viral video] is to address children with special needs or those for whom English may not be their first language,” she says.
Not everyone is a fan, though—and I don’t just mean commenters who may be a little too attached to the old way of doing things.
Jennifer Schutza, an elementary school teacher and founder of New Day Literacy, says parents and educators can achieve the same effect by just slowing the original song down a bit, singing the letters more intentionally. “Better yet, have kids look at the letters while singing so they not only learn with their ears but their eyes,” she says.
I’ve got my doubts about the “new and improved version,” and not just because I’m a cantankerous elder millennial. It’s not as catchy as the original because it doesn’t rhyme as well, so I wonder if it will stick in kids’ brains the same way—but I’m just a regular dad, not a speech expert.
Still, if you’re really passionate about the version you grew up singing, there’s no need to fear. This upgraded remix of the alphabet song isn’t really that new, and the Powers That Be aren’t replacing the classic anytime soon. This is just a variation that works for some people, and it just so happens to go viral on social media every few years.
Ultimately, it’s a good thing that kids today have different options for how to learn things. Just like Common Core math, some of the methods seem funky or uncomfortable to parents who didn’t learn them growing up, but one of the keys to modern curriculums is that they often teach children many different ways of solving problems so they can find the best way that works for them.
So, the question is up to you: to ellemenopee or not to ellemenopee?
Top Amazon Products for Teaching the Alphabet
To help your little ones master their ABCs, here are five Amazon products that can make learning fun and effective:
1. LeapFrog Fridge Phonics Magnetic Letter Set
This magnetic letter set is perfect for toddlers and preschoolers. Stick the magnetic letters on your fridge and let your kids learn the alphabet while you’re busy in the kitchen. The interactive toy sings songs and says the name of each letter, reinforcing learning through play.
2. VTech Touch and Learn Activity Desk
The VTech Touch and Learn Activity Desk offers multiple interactive features, including an electronic display that introduces letters, numbers, music, and more. It’s a great way to make learning engaging and fun for kids.
3. Melissa & Doug See & Spell Learning Toy
This classic wooden puzzle features letters and pictures to help kids learn their ABCs and early vocabulary. It’s sturdy, educational, and perfect for hands-on learning.
4. Coogam Wooden Letters Practicing Board
The Coogam Wooden Letters Practicing Board is a great tool for developing writing skills. Kids can trace the carved wooden letters with a stylus, helping them recognize and memorize the alphabet.
5. LeapFrog Letter Factory Leaping Letters
LeapFrog’s Letter Factory Leaping Letters game encourages fast-paced letter learning. Kids race to put the letters in their correct spots before the time runs out, making learning a fun and energetic activity.
Tips for Making Alphabet Learning Fun
- Sing and Dance: Turn the alphabet song into a dance party. Singing and moving can help reinforce learning in a fun way.
- Alphabet Hunts: Hide alphabet letters around the house and have your child find them. This activity combines learning with a scavenger hunt.
- Alphabet Crafts: Create crafts that focus on each letter. For example, make an “A” out of apple prints or a “B” from buttons.
- Use Technology Wisely: Educational apps and videos can be a great supplement to traditional learning methods. Just be sure to monitor screen time.
- Read Alphabet Books: There are countless books focused on the alphabet. Reading together can help kids see the letters in different contexts.
Whether you’re team “ellemenopee” or you’re ready to embrace the new version, there are plenty of ways to make learning the alphabet fun and effective. With these Amazon products and tips, your kids will be singing their ABCs with confidence in no time. So, the next time someone asks if the alphabet got a major glow-up, you can confidently say, “Yes, and it’s more fabulous than ever!”
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