36. Tips for Teaching the Alphabet with Heidi Martin, Droppin' Knowledge with Heidi

In this episode of Literacy in Color, I’m chatting with Heidi Martin—also known as Droppin’ Knowledge with Heidi—to unpack what research says about effective alphabet instruction. Together, we explore common debates, research-based tips, and engaging strategies to teach the alphabet more effectively.From ditching letter-of-the-week traditions to embracing articulation and embedded mnemonics, this episode is packed with classroom-ready ideas and practical insights grounded in cognitive science. Heidi also shares why repeated and distributed practice is the key to building strong alphabet knowledge.Key Takeaways:Alphabet knowledge is a strong predictor of reading successWhat the research says about “letter of the week”Teach letter names and sounds togetherTeach uppercase and lowercase togetherIncorporate explicit handwriting instructionUse embedded mnemonics and articulation cuesAdvice about target picture(s)Alphabet knowledge should be joyful, not just roteHelpful Resources:Register for Science of Reading Mini-Con (July 10th, 2025 in Racine, Wisconsin)! Piasta & Wagner’s 2010 meta-analysis of Alphabet Learning & InstructionP is for Paint: A Mnemonic Alphabet Adventure! – Heidi’s embedded mnemonic alphabet bookDecodable Adventure Series – Heidi’s decodable booksHeidi & Adam Martin’s New Activity Book: Droppin' Knowledge on Foundational Skills: Phonological and Phonemic Awareness Exercises Aligned to the Science of ReadingHeidi & Adam Martin’s New Activity Book: Droppin' Knowledge on Sight Words and Word Mapping: High-Frequency Word Exercises Aligned to the Science of ReadingHeidi & Adam Martin’s New Activity Book: Droppin' Knowledge on Phonics: Spelling and Phonics Activities Aligned to the Science of ReadingHelpful Instagram Post from Heidi on the AlphabetThis post may contain affiliate links, which means if you click on a link and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting the podcast!Connect with Heidi Martin:Website: https://droppinknowledge.com/TikTok - @droppinknowledgewheidiIG - @droppinknowledgewithheidiFB - Droppin' Knowledge with HeidiConnect with Me:Follow me on Instagram:

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Literacy in Color is the go-to podcast for elementary teachers, literacy coaches, and reading interventionists who are passionate about bringing the Science of Reading to life in vibrant, engaging, and effective ways. Hosted by Michelle Sullivan — a seasoned literacy expert & Science of Reading advocate - with over a decade of experience as a reading interventionist & literacy coach — this show is designed to help you captivate your learners, boost reading fluency, and foster a deep understanding of language. Each week, you’ll discover practical tips, proven strategies, and creative ideas to make your literacy instruction colorful and impactful. From phonics and morphology to vocabulary building and comprehension techniques, we’ll explore the full spectrum of evidence-based practices that support all learners on their journey to becoming confident readers. Whether you’re a seasoned educator or just starting out, “Literacy in Color” will empower you with the tools, inspiration, and know-how to make literacy instruction not just effective, but truly unforgettable. Are you ready to teach colorfully? Hit subscribe and join us each week for a splash of fun, insight, and colorful learning. Connect with me on Instagram @michelle_thecolorfulclassroom for more tips, resources, and community!