Why can my child sing the alphabet but not read words?
https://www.mylittleenglish.com/en/answers/knows-abc-cannot-read/
Content checked: 2026-10-18
Little English · Product and editorial guidance

Another way to ask: My child knows ABC but cannot read cat. What is missing?

The direct answer
Singing the alphabet sequence, naming letters, recognising letter sounds and blending sounds are different tasks. Singing ABC alone does not show that a child has experience with all of them.

How to think about it
Check whether your child knows a letter’s name or its sound in a particular word. Reading also involves word meaning and connected text. The IES reading guide treats sound awareness, decoding and vocabulary as distinct teaching areas; it does not evaluate these apps.

Something to try
1. Try a few familiar letters in a different order.
2. Use a reliable recording to model a familiar word’s sounds.
3. Model blending only sounds already introduced, then connect the word with its meaning.

Scope and limits
One unsuccessful attempt is not a diagnosis. Completing a course is not a guarantee of independent reading.
Page language does not establish app interface language. Check your regional store for languages, prices and availability.

Checked product facts
Little English Phonics
Four levels with separate apps: letters and sounds; vowels; consonants; long vowels and other common sounds. Independent reading is a goal. Check each listing for purchases and content.
https://www.mylittleenglish.com/en/apps/phonics/
https://apps.apple.com/app/id1393459063
https://apps.apple.com/app/id1393493900
https://apps.apple.com/app/id1410160261
https://apps.apple.com/app/id1435891233
LP1 Phonics: the alphabet and letter sounds for beginners
https://www.mylittleenglish.com/en/apps/lp1/
LP2 Phonics: vowel sounds and word blending
https://www.mylittleenglish.com/en/apps/lp2/

Sources
IES / What Works Clearinghouse: Foundational Skills to Support Reading: https://ies.ed.gov/ncee/wwc/PracticeGuide/21/

AI-assisted drafting and translation: product explanations, home activity suggestions and team perspectives. Translations await native-language editorial review. This is not an independent product review.