I can image some readers thinking, “The alphabet for non-beginners? What is she talking about? That’s easy!” Well, not necessarily. After learning the alphabet in class, it’s rare that teachers or students go back to revising the full alphabet again. So maybe it’s something that could be refreshed from time to time. At least, I know for myself that I still find it difficult to say ‘G’ and ‘J’ in French without having to think about it first, and I’m always confusing ‘A’ and ‘E’ in Dutch.
Revising the alphabet doesn’t have to be boring either. Here are some ideas for class:
Students say each letter of the alphabet, followed by one (or even two) unusual words that begin with that letter. For example:
A is for Acrylic and Alloy (rather than A is for Apple)
B is for Beatitude and Blubber (rather than B is for Boy) …etc
This can be done with the whole class shouting out words, or by going around the room. It’s also great for learning new/unusual vocabulary. Once all the words are on the white board/screen, students can then describe the meaning (in English) and make sentences with them.
You can also try making up sentences using as many letters of the alphabet as you can, in sequence. For example:
Andrew Brian Carter Did Everything Fairly Grudgingly.
He Instinctively Jumped Kindly… etc
Another way of revising the alphabet and giving it a more practical application, is by learning and practising the NATO alphabet. This is particularly useful when speaking on the phone, for example to spell your surname, email or street address. Here is a typical conversation that I have had on the phone since…well, since I knew how to use a phone and the NATO alphabet:
Client advisor: What’s your surname, please?
Me: Mildiner
Client advisor: Hilliner?
Me: No, Mildiner.
Client advisor: Brindifer?
Me: No….ah hang on: M for Mike, I for India, L for Lima, …etc
Confession: Sometimes I forget the official NATO alphabet and make words up. For example, M for Mary, I for Ireland, C for Car…It probably doesn’t matter too much, as long as you keep it fairly simple.
Do you have any games or tips for learning the alphabet? If so, why not share your thoughts in the Comments section below?
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