From FreeReading
What to do
- Write the letter {{{lettername}}} on the board; make it at least a foot tall. Alternatively, use a letter card large enough for the whole group to see easily.
- {{{sounddescription}}} What's the sound?
- Look for students who are not saying the sound. Ask them: What's the sound? Look for students who are making the wrong sound and model the sound for them until they have it right. Well done everyone.
- We use the /{{{lettername}}}/ sound to begin words like {{{anchorwords}}}. Can you tell me some other words that begin with /{{{lettername}}}/?
- Erase {{{lettername}}}. Now write 12 letters on the board (arrange them randomly): 4 of the letters should be {{{lettername}}} and they should be interspersed with 8 other letters dissimilar in appearance to {{{lettername}}}, such as {{{diffletter1}}} and {{{diffletter2}}}.
- When I point to the letter we just learned, say its sound. When I point to any other letter, you have to stay quiet. My turn first. Point to a series of letters and either say the sound or make a performance of saying nothing, as appropriate.
- Your turn. Ready? Point to letters randomly, holding on each one for a few seconds.
- If a student says the sound for one of the other letters (not {{{lettername}}}), point to {{{lettername}}} and say: You only need to make a sound for this letter. When I point to any other letter, stay quiet. Ready? Look for individuals who are saying nothing when you point to {{{lettername}}}. Have those students try letters individually until they have it (but don’t call only on struggling students). Keep going until everyone has it.
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