The Basics of the /ZH/ Sound The /zh/ sound is very similar to the /sh/ sound. The difference is that the /zh/ sound is a voiced sound, and the /sh/ sound is an unvoiced sound. There are many different ways to make the /zh/ sound. SI - The letters si can make the sound before the letters on. It is … [Read more...] about The /ZH/ Sound
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Teaching the /AW/ Sound and a Free Word List
In teaching reading and writing, we want to be systematic and explicit. Unfortunately, for many of us, that means doing something we were never taught. Luckily, most teachers are excellent learners. Phonics has been new to me, and something I have spent a lot of time learning. Today, I am going to … [Read more...] about Teaching the /AW/ Sound and a Free Word List
Teaching the /OW/ Sound and a Free Word List
In teaching reading and writing, we want to be systematic and explicit. Unfortunately, for many of us, that means doing something we were never taught. Luckily, most teachers are excellent learners. Phonics has been new to me, and something I have spent a lot of time learning. Today, I am going to … [Read more...] about Teaching the /OW/ Sound and a Free Word List
CH Spelling Patterns
Do you want to teach your students three different ways to spell the /ch/ sound but don’t know where to start? Most second-grade students are familiar with the “ch” spelling of the /ch/ sound, but they haven’t been explicitly taught the “tu” or “tch” spellings. The “tch” spelling is easier for me to … [Read more...] about CH Spelling Patterns
Focusing on Sounds When Teaching Reading and Spelling
When I started teaching, I said I never wanted to teach kids how to read; how we learn to read never made sense to me because I don’t remember doing it. Teaching reading was so amorphous during my classes that I didn’t understand it then either. I didn’t want the immense responsibility of teaching … [Read more...] about Focusing on Sounds When Teaching Reading and Spelling
Small Group Phonics Review Lessons
If you are like me, you want to ensure that every student in your class gets the phonics instruction needed to be successful readers and writers. I have spent a lot of time thinking about how to achieve that goal. I know that to make something work in my classroom, I need a routine. Unfortunately, … [Read more...] about Small Group Phonics Review Lessons