Phonics instruction done consistently can be a challenge. As educators, we believe that providing ample application and practice time for phonics instruction is essential. So, how do we streamline our daily plans to meet all our instructional needs in phonics? Well, here it is, a three-step approach to daily phonics instruction!
As an English Language Arts instructional coach, I have seen a great need for Phonics Instruction throughout the years. Although we have made significant progress in direct instruction with phonics, we still need to incorporate the varied opportunities for students to apply their phonetic strategies. The two areas to focus on would be the application and practice stages. So let’s take a look at a few simple ideas to boost our sight word and phonics fluency and practice opportunities.
The first step in teaching phonics is the actual use of our curriculum. I know, you’re saying, “well, of course!” I mention this only to emphasize the importance of being true to your chosen program. The key is implementing direct, intentional instruction daily. So, I ask you, are you intentional with your phonics instruction? Although our days do not have enough minutes, it is essential to put Phonics Instruction on the top of our “to-do” list. As with most aspects of life, consistency is the key to success! In regards to phonics instruction, a favorite quote of mine is, “It’s not what we do once in a while that shapes our lives. It’s what we do consistently.” ― Anthony Robbins.
To hook students, I created a simple game called “Sound Search.” The game is as easy as finding the sound pattern in any text. For example, I may begin with the phonics skill /ow/, /ou/ vowel sounds. Throughout the week, students would be looking out for these two phonic sound patterns in print and speech.
To maintain a teachable classroom, I allow students to snap their fingers (the best they can) to indicate a spotted phonetic skill. At this point, a predetermined student, the class record keeper, tally’s the Phonetic Finds. The students enjoy hearing the end of day report on how many finds we came across. By the end of the week, I deem the phonics skill as retired and replace it with a new “Sound Search.” Most often, this usually happens with the introduction of a new phonics concept each Monday.
The final tier addresses the needed support in applying phonics skills by offering ample phonics fluency practice. Since it is difficult to meet with each of “ou” students daily to give them the 1:1 time, I have put together this motivating activity student may use for phonics fluency practice. This resource is called The Five Star General- A Phonics Fluency Practice Flip Book.
This resource was created to provide a daily partner fluency activity. It only requires 5-6 minutes at most. The goal is for students to receive five stars on each of the five drills. Students time one other for 2 minutes and calculate how many words were read correctly on the first-word exercise. The back of the book has the recording section for this score.
Each day after that, students will choose one drill to read to a partner to beat their baseline score. If they are successful, the student will color in one star. As you can see, the drills slightly vary and do repeat words. I intentionally repeated words for fluency and practice.
Once students have received (colored) all five stars on each drill, they receive a “brag tag” and become a “Five Star General” during a class ceremony. The students eat this up!
Another option for extended practice opportunities is to send The Five Star General Book home for an easy yet meaningful homework assignment. It’s always nice to keep the family involved.
I hope you take the 3 step approach to your phonics instruction! Remember the two key elements, fluency and practice, which are essential for any phonics program. If you use “The Five Star General Flip Books with your students, I would love to see some pics. Please feel free to drop them here on this blog or email me.
I hope your students are as motivated and love phonics as much as my students do!
