This teaching resource presents a historical perspective of the alphabet which encompasses a study of major contributions by: (1) "Prehistoric People"; (2) "The Sumerians"; (3) "The Egyptians"; (4) "The Chinese"; (5) "The Greeks"; and (6) "The Romans." Background information, vocabulary study, student activities, a letter history, and a bibliography are included. Reproducible student sheets, discussion questions, unit goals, and taxonomies of affective and cognitive objectives are given. The guide concludes with a listing of letter origins, a glossary, and bibliographies of general resources for teachers and students. (MM)