Phonemic awareness means hearing and working with the tiny sounds in words. In the word ‘dog,’ we hear /d/, /o/, /g/. This helps kids learn that words are made of sounds, even without seeing letters

Classroom Activities:

• Sound Matching Game: Match pictures that start with the same sound.

  • Differentiation: Offer fewer options or give sound prompts.

• Clap the Sounds: Clap for each sound in a word (e.g., c‑a‑t).

  • Differentiation: Use picture cards or model sounds.

At‑Home Activity:

• I Spy Beginning Sounds:

  • Say “I spy something that starts with /b/.”

  • Benefit: Builds listening skills and fun for all children.

  • This playful activity builds sound awareness during real-world experiences. It works well for all learners by using familiar home items and requires no materials.

Website Resource:

• Starfall Phonemic Awareness (starfall.com)

Phonics is about matching letters to sounds. For example, B makes the /b/ sound. Phonics helps kids sound out words while reading and writing.

Classroom Activities:

• Letter‑Sound Hopscotch: Children hop to letters when they hear a sound.

  • Differentiation: Add picture prompts or peer support.

• Build‑a‑Word (CVC): Use magnetic letters to form words like “cat.”

  • Differentiation: Provide fewer letters or visual guides.

At‑Home Activity:

• Letter Hunt: Look for letters in books or around the house.

  • Benefit: Connects letters and sounds while exploring the environment.

  • Builds phonics skills in daily routines and engages families in learning. Learners with exceptionalities benefit from using real-world visuals and repetition.

Website Resource:

• ABCmouse Phonics Games (abcmouse.com)

  • Benefit: Step‑by‑step sound games with visuals and instructions.

Vocabulary is the set of words we know and use. The more words children learn, the better they understand stories and express their ideas.

Classroom Activities:

• Picture Word Wall: Display words and images in the classroom.

  • Differentiation: Use real objects or tactile cards.

• Story Word Hunt: Identify new words while reading a book.

  • Differentiation: Offer repeated readings or highlight words.

At‑Home Activity:

• Word of the Day: Choose one word daily (e.g., “gigantic”) and use it throughout the day.

  • Benefit: Enhances word usage and understanding in real contexts.

  • Reinforces vocabulary in meaningful ways. Students with limited language exposure benefit from repetition and daily routines, while others extend their word use creatively.

Website Resource:

• PBS Kids Vocabulary Builder (pbskids.org)

  • Benefit: Uses fun games and familiar characters to teach words.

Fluency means reading smoothly, at a good speed, and with expression. Fluent readers understand stories better and enjoy reading more.

Classroom Activities:

• Echo Reading: Teacher reads a line, students repeat it.

  • Differentiation: Use audio or sentence strips for support.

• Reader’s Theater: Students act out short stories using scripts.

  • Differentiation: Fewer lines or bigger text.

At‑Home Activity:

• Family Read‑Aloud Time: Read books aloud together each night.

  • Benefit: Models smooth reading and builds confidence.

  • Builds fluency in a safe, supported environment. Children with speech delays or shy readers gain confidence, while others refine expressive reading skills.

Website Resource:

• Storyline Online (storylineonline.net)

  • Benefit: Features fluent reading with expression by storytellers.

Comprehension means understanding what we read. It helps us remember the story, characters, and what happens.

Classroom Activities:

• Retell with Puppets: Use puppets to retell the story.

  • Differentiation: Add picture maps or voice‑record retells.

• Story Questions: Ask “Who? What? Where?” after reading.

  • Differentiation: Offer picture choices or yes/no questions.

At‑Home Activity:

• Draw the Story: Children draw the beginning, middle, and end of the book.

  • Benefit: Helps visual learners express understanding.

  • Allows students to show understanding through art. Helpful for non-verbal, visual, or language-delayed learners; others can use it to retell and organize thoughts.

Website Resource:

• Into the Book – Reading Strategies (reading.ecb.org)