The alphabet

[shellye]

I have a DD in year 2 at a private prep school. They have told us that she is in the top 5 out of 32 kids. She reads way beyond her years and has an amazing memory. I would say she is average at maths.
She will be 7 next month. Today while messing around I found out that she couldn't recite the alphabet. I know she did this in reception and I would presume in Year 1. Is it normal to "forget" which letters go where? Is this a school issue? Should I let them know?
They have always been keen on letting them do the teaching and not pushing them at home. We have always gone along with this. I think they sometimes focus less on the basics and more on extension work. Would love some reassurance from anyone.

I'm sure she will quickly recall it.Strange that given her good memory she has forgotten it

teach her the song!

Its probably not something they stress - the order doesn't really matter much until they have to use dictionaries and indexes (or do VR tests ). There's no inherent logic to the alphabet order.

Don't make an issue of it, just take to singing one of the alphabet songs in the car, IMO the only way to learn the damn thing.

Don't sweat. I've never known my alphabet - didn't stop me getting to Oxford.

Usually dictionary skills are taught in Y2 so she will cover it again this year

Also amazed that with her memory she cannot put all the letters in the right sequence. Maybe she is having an off day! She has the use of a dictionary at school already so I guess this will help. Am trying not to sweat, just very surprised at the lack of what I thought was a basic skill.

I wouldn't sweat think about it how often do you actually need to be able to recite the alphabet? Yes it helps with alphabetic order dictionary skills but electronic versions are more commonly used... telephone directories? ...

KATTT- exact same here .

I've caught myself having to check the alphabet frieze when playing the 'shopping game' with the kids I teach . You could also play those sorts of games with her to help her remember.

Don't worry- she'll remember it when she sees she needs it for tasks (like VR).

I remember mine from a frieze I had in my room as a small child. Even now, if I do the alphabet backwards in my head, (while getting injections etc!!) I picture it. Used to do word games too using it. Basically, what I am saying is - get an alphabet poster for her room.

But dd doesn't know her alphabet yet - never taught it to her. Emphasis is on phonics not letters now. Sure she'll get it eventually (when I get her that alphabet poster )

Respect Adair. I can only dream of doing the alphabet backwards .

You wanna get yourself an alphabet poster...