Understanding that print carries meaning, books have directionality, and words are separated by spaces.

Age/Grade:

Pre-K - K (ages 3-6)

Assessment:

Concepts about print test (Marie Clay)

Informal reading observation

Evidence-Based Instruction:

Interactive Read-Alouds (teacher models pointing to words, discussing print features).

Differentiation:

Multilingual labels & visuals for ELs
Multi-sensory practice (magnetic letters, tracing) for dyslexia

Basics: Print awareness | Reading Rockets. (n.d.). Reading Rockets. https://www.readingrockets.org/reading-101/reading-and-writing-basics/print-awareness

 Recognizing/manipulating spoken parts of language (words, syllables, rhymes, onset-rime).

Age/Grade Range:
Pre-K–Grade 1 (ages 4–7)

Assessment:

Phonological Awareness Screening Test (PAST)
Rhyming & syllable clapping checks

Evidence-Based Instruction:

Rhyming Games (teacher models → student practice).

Differentiation:

Visuals + gestures for ELs
Songs/chants/repetition for dyslexia

Phonological and Phonemic Awareness: Introduction | Reading Rockets. (n.d.). Reading Rockets. https://www.readingrockets.org/reading-101/reading-101-learning-modules/course-modules/phonological-and-phonemic-awareness

Age/Grade Range:
K–Grade 1 (ages 5–7)

Assessment:

DIBELS (First Sound Fluency, Phoneme Segmentation)
Phoneme Isolation Tasks (say first, middle, last sound).

Evidence-Based Instruction:

Elkonin (Sound) Boxes with counters.

Differentiation:

Model unfamiliar sounds with mouth visuals for ELs
Multi-sensory “say, tap, write” for dyslexia

Phonological and Phonemic Awareness: Introduction | Reading Rockets. (n.d.). Reading Rockets. https://www.readingrockets.org/reading-101/reading-101-learning-modules/course-modules/phonological-and-phonemic-awareness

Age/Grade Range:
Pre-K–Grade 1 (ages 4–6)

Assessment:

DIBELS Letter Naming Fluency
Alphabet chart recognition

Evidence-Based Instruction:

Alphabet Arc activities (ordering letters while naming).

Differentiation:

Connect letters to familiar objects/words for ELs
Color-coding & tactile practice (sandpaper letters, tracing) for dyslexia

Basics: Alphabet Knowledge | Reading Rockets. (n.d.). Reading Rockets. https://www.readingrockets.org/reading-101/reading-and-writing-basics/alphabet-knowledge