Introduce sounding out

Activity Type: Introduce

Activity Form: Standard

Grade: K

Group Size: Small Group, Whole Class

Length: 10 minutes

Materials: None for Whole class. For Small Groups, download 3x5 index cards

Goal: Given a written regular word, sound out and then say the word ( abc -> "aaabbbcc" -> "abc" )

Items: am, at

What to do

Write the items on the board. (For small groups, you can also use the index cards version of the words.)
Today we’re going to sound out some words. When I touch each letter, you say its sound and keep saying it until I touch the next letter. Don't stop between sounds.
My turn first. Start saying the first sound as you touch the first letter. Hold each sound for about one second. For example, aaammm.
Your turn. Ready? Make sure everyone is looking at you, then touch just beneath the first letter and sound out with the students, aaammm.
Great. Again. Let the students sound out without you.
This time we'll sound it out and then say the word fast. Ready? Say: aaammm. What's the word? Students: am.
Continue with the other items on the board. Some students will require several repetitions when first sounding out. After a few repetitions, provide encouragement, such as: You’re doing great. These words are really hard and you’ve almost got them.
Watch for students who are still struggling, who are saying incorrect sounds, or who are pausing between sounds. Call on a mix of several students—some who aren't sounding out and some who are—to sound out and then name the words individually. When they get it, be very excited and praise them strongly. If you have time, keep going until every student has sounded out at least one word on their own. If not, make a note of students who continue to have trouble in an Activity Log.