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Who invented the alphabet?

From Mystery Doug

Who invented the alphabet?
7 minK1st2nd3rd4th5thScienceSocial Studies
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Summary

Mystery Doug takes on a real kid's question -- "Who invented the alphabet?" -- and follows the clues. No single person did it -- ancient peoples slowly turned pictures into letters, with the Phoenicians shaping an early alphabet. A quick five-minute watch to spark curiosity and kick off a conversation.

Viewer safety

All ages
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Teaching resources

Discussion questions

Discussion

Doug investigates a question kids really asked: "Who invented the alphabet?"

  1. What was Doug's answer to today's question, in your own words?
  2. What surprised you most about alphabet, or what did you already know?
  3. What's one thing this makes you want to find out more about?

Quick work-a-long

Words to know: alphabet, letter, ancient.

Try it: Explain the answer to "Who invented the alphabet?" to someone at home using these three words, then write down one new question it made you wonder.