In this special 100 episode edition of our HiMama Helps Webinars we welcomed Cheryl Lundy Swift and Tracy Sloper from Learning Without Tears! Cheryl and Tracy walked us through 5 strategies for how we can incorporate learning letters and letter sounds into our classrooms to enhance phonological awareness in young children. They explained how to differentiate this learning to accommodate the needs of all learners, and as always shared tangible resources to engage children in the classroom! You do not want to miss out on this special 100th edition of our HiMama Helps Webinars!
đ¤Our Special Guests:
Cheryl Lundy Swift from Learning Without Tears!

Cheryl received a Master of Education in Administration and Supervision from Virginia Commonwealth University and has been a dedicated educator for over 20 years. Cheryl currently serves as Learning Without Tearsâ Professional Learning Director. Cheryl is an award-winning educational leader, curriculum developer, motivational speaker, and trainer. She served as the Lead Curriculum Developer for Learning Without Tearsâ Get Set for Schoolâs Language and Literacy curriculum, which received an AEP Distinguished Achievement Award. In 2017, Cheryl was awarded the Investor Bankâs Educator of the Year Award. Cheryl is currently pursuing her doctorate in Educational Leadership from Kean University in Union, NJ.âŻ
Tracy Sloper from Learning Without Tears

Tracy Sloper began her career as a Preschool teacher and received her Preschool Directorâs Credential after quickly realizing her passion for children, families, and developmentally appropriate educational experiences. She has more than 28 years of experience in the early education and supplemental tutoring industries. As a trainer with the Texas Trainer Registry, Tracy shared her experience and passion with other early childhood educators. Tracyâs first exposure to the profound impact that Handwriting Without Tears can have upon a child and family came through her work in the tutoring industry. Tracy was also a National Presenter for Learning Without Tears. In her current role as a Territory Manager in Texas, Tracy is committed to helping educators and families find the best resources for their students.
đ§ŞKey Learning Outcomes from Cheryl & Tracy
- Alphabet knowledge is also referred to as letter knowledge and is an important early literacy skill that will help children learn to discriminate letters.
- Phonological awareness is the ability for a child to be able to hear and manipulate parts of spoken language.
- We can teach alphabet knowledge through letters and sounds, phonological awareness and shared reading and writing.
- Children should be taught capital letters first because they are easy to recognize and write, before moving on to lowercase.
- Teach explicitly. It is important to not make any assumptions and to directly teach students letters and sounds by modelling.
â¨Resources
- [Website] – Learning Without Tears
- [Handout] – Developmental Teaching Order
- [Handout] – Lowercase Formation Chart
- [Resources] – Music samples
- [resources] – Wood pieces set for capital letters
- [ Resources] – Expert tips for reading aloud to children
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