It’s fascinating how certain things we learn as children stay with us, but one teacher is attempting to alter a fundamental aspect… the way we sing the alphabet song, and the response has been mixed.
If I asked you to sing the alphabet song, we all know how to perform it based on what we learned as children.
A-B-C-D, E-F-G, H-I-J-K, LMNOP, Q-R-S, T-U-V, X-Y-Z. Simple, right?
You might even add a little finishing touch at the end. Something like ‘now I know my ABC’s, won’t you come and play with me’.
No joy ever matched the excitement in class as you and your classmates sang the ‘LMNOP’ part. For many, that’s a cherished memory and essential to the experience.
However, a teacher on social media has proposed a new version of the song, and while her intentions might be good, it’s a hard pass for some.
On TikTok, teacher Jessica Farmer, known as @farmerlovesphonics on the platform, has introduced a new rendition.
The 2023 video has garnered nearly 700,000 views on the platform and sparked intense discussion in the comments.
Farmer anticipated the controversial nature of her video, titling it: “This might be controversial, BUT this is the best way to sing the alphabet song to avoid letter names being combined…the dreaded “elemenop” or “YNZ”. Practice daily. Point to the letters as you sing it to build letter recognition.”
What does the new version sound like?
https://www.tiktok.com/@username/video/7293640399569259818
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. It even concludes with: “Now I never will forget, how to say the alphabet.”
While it may seem awkward and unnatural, Farmer outlines valid reasons for abandoning the traditional song we all grew up learning.
She explained: “The traditional alphabet song has a few issues. When sung quickly, the letters ‘LMNOP’ tend to blend together, leading many young children to incorrectly believe ‘elemenop’ is a single letter.
“Additionally, the way ‘Y and Z’ is sung can sound like ‘Y N Z,’ which adds an extra, unintended letter to the song.”
Despite her arguments, some users are not convinced.
“It’s like fetch, it’s not happening!” joked one user.
“No thank you, as the saying goes ‘don’t fix something that’s not broken.’” another commented, while a third added: “Why do we have to mess with a good thing? This hits my ear wrong.”
“Elemenope!” another defiantly wrote.
Will you be changing the way you teach or recite the alphabet?