Rhymes and Songs that Teach the Alphabet

It is easy for adults to brush off what an incredible feat it is to learn and comprehend language. What is not easy, is teaching this feat to young children. As a parent or teacher, you must slow down and be patient – remember, you have eons more experience with language than most young children. When teaching (or learning) a challenging task, it often helps to start with the basics. When teaching reading and writing, the basic building block is the alphabet. Nursery rhymes and songs that teach the alphabet are a great way to help teach children as they benefit in so many ways:
• Help in developing vocabulary and memory
• Increase reading readiness and language skills
• Improve fine motor skills
• Promote a sense of community
• Help build social skills
• Encourage reading and imaginationExamples of Rhymes and Songs That Teach the Alphabet

“ABC Song”
An obvious addition to this list, the “ABC Song” simply goes through the alphabet in a flowing way that helps to memorize and learn the alphabet. The melody of this song is originally accredited to a song composed by Mozart in the 1780s. The version that most of us know today is said to be published by Charles Bradlee with the title “The A.B.C., a German air with variations for the flute with an easy accompaniment for the piano forte,” in 1835. Most languages have a song that teaches the alphabet. The “ABC Song” is sung, with variations, throughout the world.

“Old MacDonald Had a Farm”
While versions of this song are noted as early as the 1700s, it was on the collection of WWI songs called Tommy’s Tunes where we find the version that is widely used today. This classroom favorite is a great example to use when teaching the alphabet. Not only does this song introduce children to alphabet, it also familiarizes the world around them. The Old MacDonald Had a Farm lyrics present different farm animals and the sounds they are most commonly known by. Sometimes, the song is sung cumulatively, where each animal sound is added to the previous verse, which helps to improve memory.

“BINGO”
Another popular song to help teach the alphabet, “BINGO” first appeared in a songbook “The Humming Bird” in 1785. Like the Old MacDonald lyrics, BINGO has many different variations on theme and vocabulary. In the song, we hear the story of a farmer and his dog Bingo. During the chorus, the letters of the dog’s name are spelled out in a rhythmic pattern: “B-I-N-G-O.” One way this song is often sung, is by skipping letters in the word Bingo and clapping instead. This fun addition helps improve fine motor skills and coordination.

With the alphabet being the basic building block of language, rhymes and songs that teach the alphabet are an excellent resource to have when teaching and learning language. The simple tunes and patterns encourage memorization, while at the same time improving comprehensive reading skills and imagination. Plus, they often lead to a fun time for all!