Journal of Applied Language and Discourse Studies

Journal of Applied Language and Discourse Studies

A Review of the Effective Methods of the English Alphabet Instruction

Document Type : Review Article

Authors
1 PhD Candidate, Department of English Language, Faculty of Language and Literature, Arak University, Arak, Iran
2 PhD Graduate of TEFL, Imam Khomeini International University (IKIU), Qazvin, Iran
Abstract
Teaching alphabet to young learners is a complex and nuanced task, as it serves as a foundational element in both teaching and learning processes. This article aims to provide creative ideas and review the most influential studies in the field to present basic English alphabet materials for students in innovative and effective ways. This systematic review tried to explore the history, current theories, practices, and future directions concerning alphabet knowledge. Following the PRISMA framework, the review identified 30 articles that fit specific criteria related to research approach, structure, sample size, participants, and environments. Overall, the following main themes were extracted from the reviewed articles: current trends, frameworks, and practices of teaching alphabet knowledge, strategy training, basic terminology in the field, impact on other language skills, and future directions. The findings highlight the critical role of effective alphabet instruction in the literacy development of children, based on learners’ needs, their socio-cognitive, cultural, and developmental status. Findings consistently advocate for individualized, structured, and multimodal teaching strategies that are responsive to students' diverse learning needs and contexts.
Keywords


Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 19 August 2026