There are 44 sounds in the English language that are represented by the 26 letters of the alphabet. This is referred to as the Alphabetic Principle, or the the alphabetic code. One of the biggest predictors of reading success is phonemic awareness and the ability to manipulate sounds in words. Knowing each of the letter sounds with automaticity supports decoding and encoding words. Following the "SATPIN" scope and sequence allows just 6 letters to be blended together to make 2 and 3 letter words (i.e. at, sat, pat, pin, in, etc.). Exposure to lowercase letters first allows children to recognize symbols (letters) and connect them to print. Review focused letter sounds and names daily. For example: "Sound is ___. Name is ___."