Alphabets


Today's "signing" gestures don't represent letters, they represent words and concepts instead (hot, cold, happy, window, etc.). However, there is a Sign Language alphabet. The code language of Signing changes a bit from country to country, but it is used throughout the world.
Sign Language alphabet.
A Signing dictionary of words.
History of Signing


BEEPS, SOUNDS AND FLASHING LIGHTS

Before there were telephones and computer emails, there was Morse Code. It is a system of flashes of light, or sounds that are held for longer and shorter periods of time. These patterns match the alphabet letters that are being used. The code was created by Samuel F.B. Morse, the inventor of the telegraph that uses the code.
Morse Code alphabet
Brief history of the Morse Code


(WOW!)-------------> SEVERAL ALPHABETS


ALPHABET TRIVIA
  • The first known alphabet was probably created more than 3500 years ago.
  • Most alphabets have between 20 and 30 letters.
  • The Hawaiian language uses 12 letters.
  • Pictures and symbols have also been used instead of letters. The Chinese and Japanese use symbols.
  • The original alphabet was created by a Semitic people living in or near Egypt.

ACTIVITY 1

Click on the following websites and print out alphabets to color or practice writing:
PRINT OUT 1
PRINT OUT 2
PRINT OUT 3
PRINT OUT 4
PRINT OUT 5 Also has pages to print to make flash cards.

ACTIVITY 2

Check out these websites for fun and challenging crossword puzzles and word searches.
YouthOnline.com
abcTeach.com
KidsDomain.com
The dmoz.org Open Directory listing of websites offering word games for kids and teens.
Create crossword puzzles online from puzzlemaker.school.discovery.com.

ACITIVITY 3

Rearrange the alphabet into your own "code". Create a "code key" so that you will be able to remember what each letter now means. This rearranging of letters is called cryptography (krip-tog-raffy). *HINT* You can "slide" the letters in the alphabet over a certain number of times and create many codes. (If you slid each letter over 2 spaces, "A" would then be "C". "B" would be "D". "C" would become "E", and so on.) Use your codes to write secret messages.

ACTIVITY 4

It is always a fun challenge to write the alphabet in a
The copyright of the article Alphabets in Themed Lesson Plans is owned by Regenia G. Butcher. Permission to republish Alphabets in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

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