The Learning Spark

Coming back to school from summer vacation can be tough! There are a million and one things to think about! But don’t let name tags, desk plates, first-day plans, etc. overshadow the need for some stellar literacy instruction. Here are seven back-to-school strategies for literacy success in your classroom. 1. Focus on Phonemes Remember that the ability for students to blend and segment the individual sounds in words (phonemes) is critical for reading and spelling. Do you already have a plan in place for students to practice blending and segmenting the sounds in words? What about a plan for explicitly connecting those phonemes with their spellings? Try word chains as a way to practice these skills. This short activity is such a useful tool that combines blending, segmenting, and manipulating all while connecting your phonemic awareness instruction with letters! 2. Map Out Your Phonics Scope and Sequence Don’t leave anything to chance! Make sure you follow a systematic sequence of phonic

 Recipe for Reading: How to Create a Reader Ingredients 1 teacher with knowledge of reading science 1 solid program Unlimited doses of high-quality instructional delivery Multiple opportunities to respond Plentiful meaningful practice opportunities (amounts will vary) Generous sprinkling of specific, affirmative praise Several dashes of corrective feedback (to taste) Start with one teacher who has growing knowledge in the science of reading and an appetite for learning. Mix in a reading program that includes explicit, systematic phonemic awareness and phonics instruction as well as instruction in language comprehension (background knowledge, vocabulary, language structures, verbal reasoning, literacy knowledge). Fold in instructional delivery that is efficient and effective. Whisk with a brisk pace and allow students 3-5 response opportunities per minute. Students should be saying, writing, and doing. Blend in a judicious amount of meaningful practice opportunities. This part is critic