A recent trend on social media has ignited a debate among parents, teachers, and education advocates as a new version of the beloved "Alphabet Song" makes its rounds online. Unlike the classic tune that generations have grown up with, this revised version breaks up the traditional grouping of letters and ends with the line, "Now I will never forget, I know how to say the alphabet."
The updated version has gained traction on platforms like TikTok and Instagram, with many educators sharing videos of themselves teaching the song to young students. Jessica Farmer, a literacy advocate from Florida, posted a video of herself singing the "new" song, which has since garnered significant attention. As a professional trainer with Rainbow Phonics, Farmer supports this change, arguing that it could be a positive step for literacy development.
Farmer believes that the traditional "ABC" song, while beloved, can confuse young learners. "When sung quickly, the letters 'LMNOP' tend to blend together, leading many young children to incorrectly believe 'elemenop' is a single letter," she explained. Additionally, the way ‘Y and Z’ is sung can sound like ‘Y N Z,’ which adds an extra, unintended letter to the song.
She suggests that the new version, which has actually been around for decades but never gained widespread popularity, helps address these issues by clearly separating the letters and reducing the chance of confusion.
@farmerlovesphonics ⭐️ 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. #alphabet #abcsong #alphabetsong #letternames #scienceofreading #teachers #parents #newalphabetsong ♬ original sound - Jessica | Learn Phonics
The response to this new version has been mixed, especially among parents who are used to the original tune. One parent commented, "I am never teaching my kids that," while another said, "Why do we have to mess with a good thing? This hits my ear wrong."
Others, however, have shown support for the change. One woman noted, "I actually like this version so much better," while another shared, "I was so confused as a child about what we were saying at ‘LMNOP’ … English is my 2nd language too."
On Instagram, a Reel posted by @mindfulteacherrachel, a first-grade teacher, highlighted the confusion around "LMNOP" in the original song. Her video, which has over 10 million views, supports the new grouping of letters to eliminate uncertainty.
The debate over this new version of the "ABC" song touches on a broader conversation about the balance between tradition and innovation, especially in the context of childhood learning.
For some, the original song represents more than just a teaching tool; it's a cherished part of their own childhood that they are eager to pass down to their kids. For others, the priority is clarity and comprehension, even if it means letting go of a familiar tune.
As parents and educators continue to discuss the merits of the new song, one thing is clear: the goal remains the same—to give children the best start in their literacy journey.
In the end, whether you stick with the classic "LMNOP" or embrace the new version, what's most important is supporting children as they learn and grow, fostering a love of language that will last a lifetime.
