The Alphabet Song Has Been Changed, Leaving Parents Completely Confused!

Hold onto your hats, parents! The beloved ABCs song, the one that’s been the same for generations, has undergone a makeover. That’s right, the classic tune we all know — which shares its melody with “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star” — has been tweaked, and it’s causing quite a stir.

So, what’s the big deal? Why the change? Let’s dive into the details.

Why the Change?

The update isn't just for the sake of change. It turns out, there’s a pretty good reason behind this adjustment. Many kids were struggling with the fast-paced grouping of certain letters, particularly the infamous “LMNOP” segment. It seems that children were interpreting “LMNOP” as a single, confusing letter. The same goes for the end phrase “Y and Z.”

To combat this, the song’s creators have restructured the pauses to make the alphabet clearer for little learners.

Out with the Old, In with the New

Here's how the classic version went:

Familiar Way: A-B-C-D-E-F-G (pause) H-I-J-K-L-M-N-O-P (pause) Q-R-S (pause) T-U-V (pause) W-X (pause) Y and Z
Now I know my ABCs, Next time won’t you sing with me?

And here’s the shiny new version your kids are coming home with:

New Way: A-B-C-D-E-F-G (pause) H-I-J-K-L-M-N (pause) O-P-Q (pause) R-S-T (pause) U-V-W (pause) X-Y-Z
Now I never will forget, how to say the alphabet

Notice the changes? The pauses have been shifted to break up those tricky sections, and the closing line has been refreshed to, “Now I never will forget, how to say the alphabet.” No more racing through “LMNOP” like it’s one speedy letter, and “X-Y-Z” stands solo without the “and.”

A Social Media Sensation

This new rendition first made waves back in 2012, thanks to the educational website Dream English, and has recently been making the rounds on TikTok. Teachers have been sharing how they incorporate this updated version in their classrooms, helping kids learn the alphabet more effectively.

@teacherrachelsorsel It's true: they changed the alphabet song. But it's for a good reason! #scienceofreading #earlyliteracy #teachyourkidtoread #structuredliteracy #developmentallyappropriate #sor #phonics #alphabetsong #theychangedthealphabet #teachertip #preschool #kindergarten #firstgrade ♬ original sound - Mindful Teacher - SoR & SEL

Good Luck, Parents!

Adjusting to the new tune might take a little getting used to, especially if the classic version is ingrained in your memory. But hey, if it helps the next generation master their ABCs, it’s worth the effort. So, embrace the change and maybe even learn to love this new twist on an old favourite.

Happy singing, everyone!