Question
Is it more important to have a child learn letter name or letter sound?
Answer
Both are important. Typically children will get that letter name concept first, but both are important. The child has to have letter name and letter sound knowledge to be able to make the connections between reading and writing. They have to know the letter sounds to be able to decode words and to be able to read. But they also need to know letter names and spelling. In terms of evaluating and as a predictor for later skills, the letter name is what is most important in terms of the research.
Angela Beckman Anthony, Ph.D., CCC-SLP is an adjunct professor for the Communication Disorders and Sciences Department at Eastern Illinois University. Her teaching, research, and clinical experience are focused on early language and literacy development and disorders. She has experience working in the private and public schools, private practice, and university settings.
