“Benge offers an inspiring book, teaching tool, and classroom guide that bridges practical experience and research to illustrate the value of play in her literacy framework. For anyone who cares about literacy development, this book will undoubtedly teach you better ways to support developing young minds.”

– Lyn Lucas, Principal, Lucas Consulting

“The Whole Child Alphabet: How Young Children Actually Develop Literacy by Stacy Benge is a must-read for librarians, teachers, caregivers, and parents – all those who want the best early literacy education for young children! Benge adds insightful perspectives on letter recognition, sounds, and writing alphabet knowledge. Benge’s suggestions are a welcome change in pedagogy that includes incorporating a strengths-based, child-led, play-based approach to literacy in a developmentally appropriate environment. Read and discover how young children actually develop literacy, where discovery leads to a world of access and joyful development of alphabet knowledge.”

– Mary Barbara Trube, EdD, Early Childhood Specialist, Platonium Mentoring & Coaching Consultants

Introduction
The Idea
What is your favorite letter?
The Cornerstones of Language and Literacy
Learning the Alphabet Begins with Interest and Connection
Letter Recognition Begins with Vision
Letter Sounds Begin with Phonemic Awareness
Writing the Alphabet Begins with Physical Development
Alphabet Knowledge Begins with Child-Led Play
Moving Forward
Conclusion
Change Begins with Our Pedagogy
Bibliography