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Phonemic awareness is the ability to hear, identify, and manipulate individual sounds (phonemes) in spoken words. It is essential for developing reading skills, as it shapes a child's understanding of the sound structure of language (Moats & Tolman, n.d.).

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Activity: Sound Sorting

Description: Students will sort pictures of objects based on their beginning, middle, or ending sounds. This activity encourages phonemic awareness and helps students understand sound-letter relationships (Moats & Tolman, n.d.). By engaging with visuals, students will build their vocabulary and enhance their listening skills as they identify specific sounds in words (International Literacy Association, 2018).

Accommodations: For beginners, use pictures with distinct initial sounds. For advanced learners, include multi-syllable words or sounds with blends. Additionally, provide explicit examples and modeling to ensure understanding, and allow the use of manipulatives for tactile engagement (Hougen & Smart, 2020). Pairing students for collaborative sorting can also foster peer learning and communication skills.

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1. Illinois Early Learning Project (IELP)

The Illinois Early Learning Project provides a variety of resources aimed at supporting early literacy development for children and their families. The website features articles, interactive tools, and activities that cater to different age groups, making it a valuable resource for families, especially those navigating cultural dynamics. It emphasizes inclusive practices and offers guidance tailored to diverse backgrounds (Illinois Early Learning Project, 2023).

2. Family Resource Center on Disabilities (FRCD)

The Family Resource Center on Disabilities (FRCD) serves families of children with disabilities, offering support tailored to overcome communication and family dynamics that may impede educational development. They provide workshops, one-on-one support, and resources that help families build effective literacy practices at home (Family Resource Center on Disabilities, n.d.). This center is crucial for families facing challenges related to communication, ensuring they have access to valuable strategies and assistance.

3. Read to Learn, Learn to Read

This initiative, supported by various stakeholders in Illinois, emphasizes the importance of reading from an early age. It provides families with free resources, including reading materials and workshops, to promote literacy at home (Reading Rockets, n.d.). The program focuses on reaching underserved communities, making it accessible for families with unique housing or cultural challenges, reinforcing a community-oriented approach to literacy development.

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Phonics is a method of teaching reading and spelling that is based on the systematic relationship between letters and sounds. It helps students to decode words and understand the connecting sounds (Hougen & Smart, 2020).

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Activity: Letter-Sound Bingo

Description: Create bingo cards featuring letters accompanied by corresponding pictures to facilitate visual learning. Call out various sounds, prompting students to identify and cover the matching letter or picture on their cards. This interactive approach not only reinforces phonics skills but also encourages active participation and engagement among students (Moats & Tolman, n.d.). Additionally, consider incorporating small group discussions after the activity to reinforce students' understanding of letter-sound relationships.

Accommodations: Provide visual supports, such as color-coded letters and images, for students needing extra assistance to enhance their understanding (Hougen & Smart, 2020). For advanced learners, include complex sounds and digraphs to challenge their skills and expand their phonemic awareness. Pairing students for collaborative play can also provide peer support and foster a more inclusive environment.

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Family Resource Center on Disabilities. (n.d.). Resources. https://frcd.org/resources/

Hougen, M. C., & Smart, S. M. (2020). Fundamentals of literacy instruction and assessment (2nd ed.). Paul H. Brookes Publishing Co.

Illinois Early Learning Project. (2023). Resources for early literacy development. Retrieved from https://illinoisearlylearning.org/reslists/community-resources/

International Literacy Association. (2018). Reading fluently does not mean reading fast. Retrieved from https://literacyworldwide.org/docs/default-source/where-we-stand/ila-reading-fluently-does-not-mean-reading-fast.pdf

Learning with Yaritza. (n.d.). FREE phonological awareness & phonemic awareness continuum guides. TeachersPayTeachers. https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/FREE-Phonological-Awareness-Phonemic-Awareness-Continuum-Guides-7644923

Moats, L. C., & Tolman, C. (n.d.). The development of phonological skills. Reading Rockets. Retrieved from https://www.readingrockets.org/article/development-phonological-skills

Pop, L. (n.d.). FREE Alphabet and letter sounds posters / Phonics anchor charts. TeachersPayTeachers.https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/FREE-Alphabet-and-Letter-Sounds-Posters-Phonics-Anchor-Charts-1755955

Read Illinois. (2023). Read Illinois initiative. https://www.readillinois.org

Reading Rockets. (n.d.). Read to learn, learn to read. https://www.readingrockets.org/resources

Roberts, R. (n.d.). Freebie: Preview of fluency step-by-step: Fluency progression poster! Learning With Heart. TeachersPayTeachers. https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Freebie-Preview-of-Fluency-Step-by-Step-Fluency-Progression-Poster-9641773

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This list provides information about community resources for families in Illinois.

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Community Resources for Illinois Families | Illinois Early Learning Project

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This list provides information about community resources for families in Illinois.

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Activity: Reader's Theater

Description: Students work in small groups to act out scripts, focusing on expression and pacing. This collaborative approach encourages students to practice reading aloud in a fun and engaging way, which can enhance their fluency skills significantly (Hougen & Smart, 2020). By portraying different characters, students also develop a deeper understanding of the story's themes and emotions, making the reading experience more immersive.

Accommodations: Provide scripts at varying levels of complexity to support all learners, ensuring that every student is challenged appropriately without feeling overwhelmed. Pair fluent readers with developing readers for collaboration; this strategy not only fosters peer learning but also builds confidence in less experienced readers (Moats & Tolman, n.d.). Additionally, consider using visual aids or cues to help students with varying needs better understand their roles in the script.

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Fluency is the ability to read a text accurately, quickly, and with proper expression. This skill is vital for comprehension and helps students engage more meaningfully with the text (International Literacy Association, 2018).

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1. Phonics Apps: A curated list of beneficial apps that families can explore to help their children practice phonics at home. These tools can provide interactive and engaging ways to reinforce phonetic skills, which are essential for literacy development (International Literacy Association, 2018). Families are encouraged to set aside time daily for practicing these skills together to foster a supportive learning environment.

2. Bilingual Phonics Guide: A resource for families facing language barriers, offering phonics strategies to support their children’s literacy development. This guide includes practical tips and examples in multiple languages, making it accessible for diverse families. (Moats & Tolman, n.d.).

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1. Reading Aloud Tips: Parents can enhance their children's reading skills by modeling fluent reading through expressive voice modulation and interactive engagement (International Literacy Association, 2018). Encouraging a cozy reading environment can also make this practice enjoyable and impactful.

2. Community Support Programs: Families in Illinois can utilize the Read Illinois initiative, which offers a variety of online resources aimed at improving literacy for children. This platform provides access to eBooks, reading activities, and educational materials designed to support children from diverse backgrounds in developing their love for reading and enhancing their literacy skills (Read Illinois, 2023).