A new version of the alphabet song has upset parents. Many are confused by the changes and worry about their children learning the ABCs.
A new version of the traditional alphabet song has recently caused a stir among parents.
This updated version features altered lyrics that have confused many about the familiar ABCs.
Parents are now sharing their thoughts on social media, expressing their concerns, and discussing the impact of these changes on their children’s learning.
A new alphabet song sparks debate as it confuses parents about their ABCs
The traditional version of the alphabet song, with its melodic rendition of “A-B-C-D-E-F-G, H-I-J-K, L-M-N-O-P, Q-R-S, T-U-V, W-X, Y and Z,” has been a staple in classrooms and households for decades.
It is a special moment that many adults remember from childhood. It brings back happy memories from their childhood.
Rachel Sorsel is an educator who focuses on structured literacy and dyslexia intervention.
She says that the classic version has created some challenges for young learners.
Sorsel, who has taught hundreds of students over the past five years, has revealed that the new version of the alphabet song has undergone a significant change.
The updated lyrics now go, “A-B-C-D-E-F-G, H-I-J-K-L-M-N, O-P-Q, R-S-T, U-V-W, X-Y-Z, Now I never will forget, how to say the alphabet.”
The rationale behind this alphabet song alteration is twofold.
Sorsel says that children have trouble saying the “LMNOP” letters separately.
Instead, they often mix them together into one sound that is hard to understand.
Additionally, including “Y and Z” at the end of the traditional song led some children to believe that “Y and Z” was a single letter, rather than two distinct letters.
Experts in early childhood education have mixed feelings about the changes.
However, they believe the changes are needed to help modern learners better.
“While the original version holds a special place in many hearts, we must prioritize the effective teaching of the alphabet,” explains child development specialist, Dr. Olivia Hanson.
“By addressing the specific challenges students face, the updated song can help ensure a stronger foundation in literacy skills.”
This change has sparked a heated debate among parents and educators.
Some applaud the change, recognizing the potential benefits for young learners.
“As a teacher, I can attest to the confusion the original version caused for some students,” says Emily, a first-grade teacher.
“By breaking up the tricky letter groupings, the new song helps reinforce the individual letter names more effectively.”
However, others have expressed dismay at the alteration, arguing that the classic version has long been a cherished part of childhood.
“I turned out just fine knowing the original alphabet song,” retorts one frustrated parent on social media.
“Why do we have to change everything these days?”
Well, we all learned it the original way and we all know elmnop isn’t one letter, and we know the alphabet, so I think the original way is just fine, one user said.
And I would still teach my kids the original way. We were perfectly fine learning our ABC’s, the second user commented.
Now it doesn’t rhyme. So it’s less pleasing to the ear, and singing it that way is unnatural.
The change will hinder learning, because it squelches enthusiasm for the song, the third user commented.
This happens when people who got a PhD in education desperately need to feel relevant.
And all they can do is change things. Anything. It’s how we got common core math, another wrote.
This doesn’t even make sense. When I was little the teacher pointed to each letter as we sang the song.
How could you think that LMNOP was one word? What are they teaching our children? someone said.