Remake of 5 Essentials of Reading Instruction in the Inclusive Preschool Classroom by Michelle Dawkins

Phonemic Awareness: Definition & Importance

michelleweeddawkins — 2025-08-14 03:13:49 UTC

Watch this video where I define phonemic awareness and explain why it is fundamental for early reading success in inclusive preschool classrooms. (Best, 2018)

Classroom Activity 1: Sound Matching Game

michelleweeddawkins — 2025-08-14 03:13:49 UTC

Children listen to words and identify which ones start with the same sound. To differentiate, provide picture prompts for visual learners and allow students to respond verbally, with pointing, or using assistive technology for communication. (Barrett & M.A., 2023)

Classroom Activity 2: Rhyming Circles

michelleweeddawkins — 2025-08-14 03:13:49 UTC

Students sit in a circle and take turns saying rhyming words. For students with language delays, use picture cards or allow responses by choosing between two presented words. Incorporate movement or music for additional engagement. (Barrett & M.A., 2023)

At-Home Activity: Kitchen Sound Search

michelleweeddawkins — 2025-08-14 03:13:49 UTC

Encourage children to find objects in the kitchen that start with the same sound (e.g., spoon, salt, soup). This interactive scavenger hunt builds sound awareness in a familiar environment and can be adapted by providing a list or pictures. It allows families to naturally embed phonemic awareness in daily routines. (Phonological and Phonemic Awareness: Activities for Your Kindergartener, n.d.)

Family Website: Reading Rockets – Phonemic Awareness

michelleweeddawkins — 2025-08-14 03:13:49 UTC

This website provides tips and activities for families to foster phonemic awareness at home. It includes easy-to-follow games and guidance for different developmental levels, ensuring every child gets the tailored support they need.

Phonics: Definition & Importance

michelleweeddawkins — 2025-08-14 03:13:49 UTC

Watch this video where I define phonics and explain its key role in teaching young children how letters make sounds, forming the basis of reading. (Best, 2018)

Classroom Activity 1: Letter-Sound Hopscotch

michelleweeddawkins — 2025-08-14 03:13:49 UTC

Create a hopscotch board with letters instead of numbers. Children say the sound of each letter as they hop. For students with mobility challenges, use a tabletop version or let them indicate choices by pointing. (Marshall & M.A., 2025)

Classroom Activity 2: Build-a-Word with Magnetic Letters

michelleweeddawkins — 2025-08-14 03:13:49 UTC

Using magnetic letters, students form simple CVC words (e.g., cat, dog). Differentiate by offering fewer letters or picture prompts for students needing extra support, or challenging advanced students with word families. (Marshall & M.A., 2025)

At-Home Activity: Alphabet Sound Hunt

michelleweeddawkins — 2025-08-14 03:13:49 UTC

Ask children to find items around the house that match a specific letter sound. This activity helps children connect letter symbols to their sounds in a real-world context and can be adapted for various skill levels by focusing on beginning, middle, or ending sounds. (Phonics and Decoding: Activities for Your Kindergartener, n.d.)

Family Website: Starfall – Learn to Read

michelleweeddawkins — 2025-08-14 03:13:49 UTC

Starfall offers interactive phonics games ideal for family use. It provides engaging, multi-sensory activities tailored for different abilities, supporting children as they develop foundational reading skills.

Vocabulary: Definition & Importance

michelleweeddawkins — 2025-08-14 03:13:49 UTC

Watch this video for an overview of vocabulary development and its importance for all areas of early literacy and comprehension. (Best, 2018)

Classroom Activity 1: Storybook Word Hunt

michelleweeddawkins — 2025-08-14 03:13:49 UTC

While reading a picture book, pause to highlight new words and discuss their meanings. For differentiation, supplement stories with visuals, real objects, or AAC devices, and encourage students to show or act out new words. (Staff, n.d.)

Classroom Activity 2: Word Wall with Pictures

michelleweeddawkins — 2025-08-14 03:13:49 UTC

Create an interactive word wall featuring new vocabulary paired with images and objects. Allow children to add words and use them in sentences, with support for speech/language or motor differences through technology or partner assistance. (Staff, n.d.)

At-Home Activity: Set up a Word Wall at Home

michelleweeddawkins — 2025-08-14 03:13:49 UTC

Choose a small area on a wall or fridge to create your child’s unique word wall. Each time your child discovers a new word, write it down and attach a picture next to it. Make sure to visit the wall frequently and engage in various games such as:

“Locate the word that begins with ‘B’”

“Point to something edible” (Vishwakarma, 2025)

Family Website: Kiwico.com – Vocabulary Games

michelleweeddawkins — 2025-08-14 03:13:49 UTC

Kiwico.com provides vocabulary games that families can play together, reinforcing word learning through stories, songs, and interactive play to suit a range of learning styles and developmental stages.

Fluency: Definition & Importance

michelleweeddawkins — 2025-08-14 03:13:49 UTC

In this video, I describe reading fluency—how it involves accuracy, speed, and expression—and why it matters for understanding text. (Best, 2018)

Classroom Activity 1: Echo Reading

michelleweeddawkins — 2025-08-14 03:13:49 UTC

The teacher reads a line from a familiar book, and students repeat it, focusing on pacing and expression. Support students with speech/language needs by modeling, using visuals, or providing sentence strips. (Cleaver, 2024)

Classroom Activity 2: Choral Reading with Songs

michelleweeddawkins — 2025-08-14 03:13:49 UTC

Sing or chant familiar nursery rhymes together. Accommodate diverse needs with visuals, actions, or assistive devices, allowing every child to participate at their comfort level. (Cleaver, 2024)

At-Home Activity: Family Read-Aloud

michelleweeddawkins — 2025-08-14 03:13:49 UTC

Families are encouraged to read favorite stories aloud together, taking turns. This naturally models fluent reading and can be adjusted for different abilities through repeated readings or using audio books as supports. (Fluency: Activities for Your Kindergartener, n.d.)

Family Website: Reading Rockets – Fluency Activities

michelleweeddawkins — 2025-08-14 03:13:49 UTC

Reading Rockets offers practical fluency-building activities that families can do at home, including read-alouds and rhythmic reading, with suggestions for adapting to individual learning needs.

Comprehension: Definition & Importance

michelleweeddawkins — 2025-08-14 03:13:49 UTC

Watch this video to learn how comprehension reinforces all reading and what strategies foster understanding in young children. (Best, 2018)

Classroom Activity 1: Story Retelling with Puppets

michelleweeddawkins — 2025-08-14 03:13:49 UTC

After reading a story, students retell it using puppets or toys. This builds comprehension and sequencing, and can be differentiated with visual story maps or teacher prompts for students needing more support. (Chantachak, 2024)

Classroom Activity 2: Picture Walk Predictions

michelleweeddawkins — 2025-08-14 03:13:49 UTC

Before reading a book, look at pictures and discuss what might happen. Children can point, gesture, or use AAC devices to share ideas, ensuring participation regardless of language ability. (Chantachak, 2024)

At-Home Activity: Book Conversation Starters

michelleweeddawkins — 2025-08-14 03:13:49 UTC

Provide families with simple questions to ask during and after reading (e.g., 'What do you think will happen next?'). These prompts develop inference skills and understanding, and can be adjusted for depth and language level. (Comprehension: Activities for Your Kindergartener, n.d.)

Family Website: Reading Rockets – Comprehension

michelleweeddawkins — 2025-08-14 03:13:49 UTC

This resource offers strategies and conversation starters to help families engage children in meaningful book discussions, supporting comprehension across all developmental stages.