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Itchy’s Alphabet Info Sheet

• NOT JUST ANOTHER ALPHABET – a systematic program to teach letter sounds and letter formations
• unique pictures in the shape of each letter give children a cue to remember both the sound and the shape of the letter simultaneously, thus enhancing learning
• designed by a Learning Assistant specifically for children who struggle
• picture cues are clear, colourful, attractive and uncluttered – the simplicity of the picture/letter connection makes it especially suitable for struggling learners
• a multi-sensory approach – the majority of people are visual learners and the visual cues create a connection to the auditory task of learning sounds; some of the picture cues are actions to involve the kinesthetic, as do our Hands-On-Vowels; our Songs CD gives an auditory support
• current research indicates that systematic phonic instruction is necessary for successful reading (National Reading Panel findings)
• all print products except the Desk Strips, Stickers, Automaticity Drills and Alphabet Book are available in both traditional and script fonts
• the order of presentation of letters (Logical Letter Formations) is based on the concept of building on prior knowledge – a basic premise of teaching
• emphasizes letter sounds (not names) and lower case letters (not upper case) – children who struggle don’t need to learn 52 sounds/names and 52 symbols when 26 of each will suffice to meet the goal of beginning to read
• Teaching Guide features a children’s story to introduce each picture cue as well as Phonological Awareness activities for each story and lists of words to read/spell
• with our Hands-On Vowels, children who have difficulty hearing the subtle differences between the short vowel sounds can now ‘see’ the difference
• Blackline Masters VI and VII are probably the most effective programs for correcting common letter reversals that are available
• Accuracy and Automaticity drills develop instant word recognition skills using a fun, one-minute timed drill format
• our Interactive Games CD gives children a fun format in which to practice the skills they are learning – site and district licenses are available
• contact us at 1-877-368-7890 if you have any questions about Itchy’s Alphabet or to discuss discounts for large volume buying for schools
• please see over for testimonials from just a few of the many educators using Itchy’s Alphabet products

To enhance the learning of the letter cues we recommend

• Bringing apples for ‘a' day and cookies for ‘c' day
• Purchasing a small bat and ball set for ‘b'
• Using the feather from a plume pen (for weddings) for ‘f' – tie a bow with a piece of thin ribbon around the middle to show the cross line
• Have someone handy with a saw cut out the house shape and paint it for ‘h'
• Have the children perform the actions for the action letters – jump for ‘j', kick for ‘k', tiptoe for ‘t', wave for ‘w', kiss (the back of our hand) for ‘x', yawn for ‘y' and zigzag around the room for 'z'
• An old pole lamp from home can be brought in for ‘l'
• Knitting supply stores have large, dull needles for ‘n'
• Lakeland (US) or Wintergreen (CDN) educational suppliers have a pig puppet very similar to our picture, which can be purchased for ‘p'
• Many novelty stores have rubber snakes for ‘s', IKEA has a large green snake that is perfect
• A vase can be brought in for ‘v' – I was able to find a blue one and painted the flowers on the front to replicate our picture
• Itchy's Alphabet Hands-On Vowels set provides a manipulative for each of the short vowel sounds
• See our Teaching Guide for stories to introduce each letter cue and specific ideas for teaching each letter

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