Its true- daily, systematic phonics instruction in early grades is highly recommended by the National Institute for Literacy. I think it goes without saying that students also benefit from daily practice with connected text– which means the student is reading passages containing the current phonics skills. So, what is next?
The value of teaching syllable types
My Orton-Gillingham training and tutoring taught me the value of teaching syllable types to help conquer our complicated English language. Thank goodness for that! I spent 16 years as a 3rd grade teacher, and I have worked with many readers trying to bridge the gap between 2nd grade and 3rd grade reading expectations. I have spent the last 8 years as a K-4 Reading Specialist in a Title I school, so I have definitely worked with my fair share of striving readers.
I teach the 6 Syllable Types because knowing them:
- makes it easy to break up multisyllabic words
- makes decoding and spelling words much easier
- helps students predict vowel sounds and word patterns
So, how do you know which syllable type to teach when?
This is the order I teach Syllable Types:
Closed Syllables (in 1st grade)
Open Syllables (in 1st grade)
Silent E (in 1st grade)
Vowel Team (in 1st grade- after short and long vowels are mastered)
R-Controlled (in 2nd grade)
Consonant-le (in 2nd grade)
Download the FREE Guide: 6 Syllable Types Guide
Stay tuned for more Syllable Types in the next blog post!
Becky
