How a New Alphabet Song Clears Up Confusion for Kids

If there’s one song that kids and parents across the U.S. can recite by heart, it’s the classic ABCs. As early as age two, tiny tots eagerly sing along to the familiar tune, laying the foundation for their growing vocabulary. But the iconic song is now getting a slight remix to clear up some long-standing confusion.

In a viral TikTok, first-grade teacher Rachel Sorsel (@teacherrachelsorsel) reveals that the ABC song many of us grew up with isn’t the same one kids are learning today. While the melody remains intact, the way the letters are grouped has changed—and for a good reason. According to Sorsel, the update aims to address confusion surrounding that famous “elemenohpee” segment.

“Kids hear LMNOP and they don’t say the individual letters. Some even think that this is one letter,” she explains. “Another reason is because at the end of the traditional alphabet song Y and Z and some kids think that YN is a letter or NZ.” To prevent these misunderstandings, the updated version introduces new deliberate pauses, breaking the song into sections: ABCDEFG / HIJKLMN / OPQ / RST / UVW / XYZ.

In the comments, people lamented the loss of their beloved “letter” ELMENOP, while others joked about childhood certainties slipping away. “Ellemenohpee was my favorite letter!” one commenter quipped. Another joked, “First Pluto, now this!” Others poked fun at the logical change: “Ugh, how dare you explain the extremely logical reason behind something from my childhood changing.” Another summed things up: “It’s better. I hate it.”

Despite some mixed emotions people agreed that while it might be an uncomfortable change for some, it is the better method for those first learning their letters. “I was ready to rage about how needless this was and after listening, I tearfully agree this is clearly better,” one parent wrote. “Even with enunciation, kiddos this young are still developing phonemic awareness! This simple change is a big help to many. Often, kids can’t get diagnosed with dyslexia or a phonemic disorder until The end of 1st grade or later. We want ALL kids to have access to at least the alphabet early on,” Sorsel explained to a commenter who suggested better enunciation would have fixed previous issues without changing the song.

If you’re working with your toddler on early language development, experts recommend reading aloud to your little one even before they’re ready to sing the ABCs. Early exposure to books and language can lay the foundation for a strong vocabulary. Check out these 10 toddler books to get started!