Teaching Sounds
(Phonemic Awareness)


























Skill-by-skill, day-at-a-time roadmaps
to Championship Reading skills

Created by
Rita M. Wirtz, M.A.
Edited by
Donald E. Werve, Jr., M.Ed.

Reading Champs INSTRUCTIONAL HANDBOOKS

No portion of this document may be reproduced or transmitted in any form, including photocopying, or by any means electronic or mechanical, except for inclusion of brief quotations in a review as permitted by law, without the express permission of the publisher and/or the copyright holder(s). Reproduction for sale or resale, or for any other commercial purpose, is expressly prohibited except for permissions granted under specific written licenses, in any, jointly issued by the copyright holders.


Thank you for choosing this Reading Champs Instructional Handbook (this publication). The information contained within this and other publications within this series is intended to provide a schema for sequential development of the basic skills necessary to succeed in learning to read--at any age. Each individual handbook presents a highly-focused view on a specific topic.

With that being said, let us state clearly that this publication is copyrighted under U.S. Title 17 and ALL RIGHTS ARE RESERVED. This means you may not copy this publication, or any part thereof, for any reason other than to print ONE authorized copy for your personal use. You may not sell or give away a copy of this publication. Further, you are hereby noticed that anyone violating the terms of this Copyright and Notice is in violation of United States Federal Statutes and may be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

This publication is designed to provide accurate and authoritative information regarding the subject matter covered. It is provided with the understanding that the author is not engaged in rendering legal, financial, investment, or other licensed or regulated professional service. If legal advice or other expert assistance is desired, the services of a competent professional should be sought. The information in this book is intended only for educational purposes.

PUBLISHED UNDER LICENSE BY:

Reading research tells us that "Phonemic Awareness" is the ability to recognize basic speech sounds (units) in spoken words. New readers need to be able to manipulate speech sounds before they learn letters and letter-sound relationships (phonics). Budding readers of any age appreciate word play of varied types which helps them focus on sounds and develop an awareness of different sounds in words.

Especially important in this process are Reading Champs mini-lessons that offer experience in rhythm and rhyme, segmenting (syllabication) and synthesis, sound sequence, isolation, substitution, and blending. These interesting patterns are used in many well-known books which feature rhythm, rhyme, repetition, and predictable patterns. Gather pictures, photo and letter cards, cubes and tiles, games and a variety of music featuring various kinds of rhythms. Instruments (especially hand drums such as bongos and congas) are fun to use for accompaniment and to feel the beat.

Some teachers disagree as to whether phonemic awareness can, or should, be taught. Opponents contend that language learning is thought to be a natural process. At the other extreme are some educators who believe in testing progress in the various elements. In any event, it makes sense to offer as many opportunities to focus on elements of phonemic awareness in their own series of mini-lessons.

STUDENTS ALSO NEED TO LEARN
HOW THEY CAN VALIDATE THEIR LEARNING
AND IMPROVE THEIR SKILLS BY INDEPENDENT PRACTICE

CSML-003 / 090528

Copyright 2007, 2009 -- Rita M. Wirtz, M.A. -- All Rights Reserved