The shapes of letters are unique. Learners should be aware of the shape of most letters be able to recognize them in any context, even if they do not yet know the sounds associated with them, and understand that letters are written in a particular order and direction. Letters have names. While it may be confusing to teach letter names and sounds at the same time, they have found that knowing the letter names is helpful in learning to read. They encourage teaching the names before teaching the sounds.
Punctuation affects meaning and expression in reading.
Learners should recognize common punctuation marks and know what they mean. It is helpful if they know the names of punctuation marks, too. Spaces separate words. Letters come in two forms, upper and lower case. Illustrations play a role in reading.