When teaching beginning readers, the following strategy offers a way to begin instruction in sound-to-symbol instruction. Sound-to-symbol, also called phoneme-to-grapheme, simply means matching the sound of a letter with the graphic (written) symbol of that letter. For the purpose of understanding this section, use the following guidelines. When it is appropriate to say the name of a letter, the letter will be underlined. When the sound of the letter is required, the letter will be in parentheses. For example, a represents the letter name while (a) represents the sound of the letter.
Identifying One Known Word
Using one vowel at a time, write all vowel and consonant combinations on the board in one color. For example, write the following letter combinations.
"If we know the a says (a), can we read the other sounds on the board?" Read the other combinations with the students (ab), (ac), (ad). . .
Guide children to locate a familiar or easy word to read. Ask, "Do you see a word you can read?" After the children will find one, such as "at," say, "The class chooses at."
Using a red pen, write "a"t four times, creating a vertical column. Orally repeat the word each time you write it.
Creating New Words
To the left side of each "at," write one consonant at a time in blue. For example, add m to the first "at." Say, "If we add m to the first "at," we create a new word."
m + at (m in new color)
mat
Visualizing the Word
Instruct children, "Close your eyes and visualize the word "mat" in your head."
Repeat this pattern by adding a blue c, s, and t in front of the remaining three "ats." Point to and read each new word as it is created. Guide children to visualize each new word before presenting the next one.
Silent e Words
After learning all the consonant-vowel-consonant combinations, write a green e at the end of the first word.
Say, "This changes the vowel sound. The word is no longer map. It is now mape."
map + e = mape (e in new color)
Continue to add green e's to each of the other words. Point to and read each new word as it is created by adding e. Guide children to visualize each new word before presenting the next one.
Repeat the entire process with each remaining vowel in the alphabet. The process can also be done using colored plastic, magnetic letters. Use lower case letters if possible.