Here's how you can introduce this strategy to your students: 

1. Select a word family: Choose a word family, such as the -at family, which includes words like cat, hat, and mat.

2. Say the word family: Pronounce several words from the chosen word family and place an emphasis on the ending letter sounds, -at.

3. Introduce the new sound: Explain to the children that you will add a new sound at the beginning of the word tocreate a new word. For example, add the sound /s/ to -at to form the word sat.

4. Blend the sounds: Help the children blend the new sound /s/ with the rest of the word. When you say the new word sat, make sure to emphasise the added sound /s/. Have the children repeat the word, focusing on both the new sound and the original word family sound.

5. Practice with other word families: Repeat the process with different word families. Add a variety of sounds at the beginning to create new words. Encourage the children to listen carefully to the new sound and blend it with the existing word family sound to form the new word.

This type of activity will develop phonemic awareness strategies by helping children to recognise and manipulate the individual sounds within words. Adding phonemes is one of the easier phoneme manipulation skills

Scroll down to the bottom for instructions on how to use this strategy.

Flashlight, Flashlight

This fun little chant is great for younger students, and will keep them excited and engaged. It works best whole class since the lights will be off.

Materials Needed: A flashlight

Directions: Turn the lights off, and turn the flashlight on. When your students are finished singing the chant below, shine your flashlight on a word that is posted somewhere in your room, and have your students read it.

Chant: Flashlight, flashlight oh so bright.

Shine on a word with your light!

Modifications: Give control of the flashlight to your students. Students LOVE to ‘be in charge’. Allow them to shine the flashlight on different words. You can even have them choose who goes next.