Why Phonics?
Word study matters. Explicit and systematic phonics instruction is critical for our emerging readers. Direct instruction has to be a component of our reading blocks, as well as, opportunities for students to use and apply sounds.
In our standards, Foundational Skills standards span K-5. In K and 1st the foundational skills include Print Concepts, Phonological Awareness, Phonics, and Fluency. From there, 2nd-5th grades include Phonics and Fluency standards. This means, as primary teachers, we must prioritize phonological awareness and print concepts. By the end of 1st grade, students will no longer be exposed to this content because the expectation is that it is mastered. Do we still intervene, absolutely. But by August of 2nd grade, these are skills students should be strong in. This doesnât mean we forget comprehension, vocabulary, and writing (they ALL matter). Yet, these foundational skills are critical for our budding readers.
Our Learning Together
So, as a community of teachers and leaners, let’s join together to hone our teaching practices, our thinking, and foundational-skills knowledge. Over the course of July, we are going to explore the work of Wiley Blevins in A Fresh Look at Phonics. If you are interested in joining us, snag a copy of the book (Amazon affiliate link).
Everyone is welcome – student teachers, classified staff, certified teachers, administrators teachers just looking for a bit of connection this summer.Â
Accessing Materials
We will meet each Wednesday evening at 9PM (EST) in July. Over 5 sessions, we will explore, learn, and connect. Add the Book Study Agenda to your Drive here.
Week 1
Before Wednesday, July 1st (Don’t tell anyone…but if you’re not able to read by Wednesday, you’re still welcome to join us!), please…
- Read “Ingredients 1 & 2” in A Fresh Look at Phonics
- Read “Reason 1” in A Fresh Look at Phonics
- Introduce yourself on this Padlet!
- Follow The Brown Bag Teacher on Facebook.
- Hyper Doc for Materials, Google Slides
Week 2
Before, Wednesday, July 8th, please…
- Read âSuccess Ingredient 3″ in A Fresh Look at Phonics
- Reason 4, 6, & 10Â in A Fresh Look at Phonics
- Submit Your Golden Lines here.
Week 3
Before, Wednesday, July 15th, please…
- Read âSuccess Ingredients 4&5″ in A Fresh Look at Phonics
- Reason 5 in A Fresh Look at Phonics
- Try out a strategy (blending lines, word ladder, dictation) and share via Padlet)Â
- Meet on Facebook Live here.
Week 4
Before, Wednesday, July 22nd, please…
- Read âSuccess Ingredient 6″ in A Fresh Look at Phonics
- Reason 7 in A Fresh Look at Phonics
- Take a picture of your word wall and share it via Padlet.
- Meet on Facebook Live here.
Favorite Phonics Materials
Materials references and used in Session 1: