During a recent Learning Tuesdays session, hosted by the Campaign for Grade Level Reading, Nicole Ormandy, M.Ed., from the AIM Institute for Learning and Research, provided invaluable insights into early literacy development grounded in the theoretical framework established by Linnea Ehri, Ph.D.
This post delves into Ormandy's three key practical strategies that educators can use to foster phonological awareness and early reading skills among emergent readers. By implementing these tactics, teachers can effectively support children through their critical early learning phases, enhancing their journey toward becoming proficient readers.
The Phases of Word Reading Development Theory, developed by Dr. Ehri, is an influential framework in understanding how children learn to read. This theory describes the progression of reading skills from emergent to proficient levels through four distinct phases. Each phase represents a step in developing word reading skills, highlighting how readers evolve from recognizing letters to fully understanding texts.
To learn more about the Phases of Word Reading Development, check out our blog, “Unlocking Emergent Literacy: Transitioning through Phases with Evidence-Based Instruction.”
The first strategy that Ormandy highlights is one that focuses on utilizing sound games to develop phonological awareness, a foundational skill in early literacy. Ormandy suggests activities like the classic "I Spy" game, where children are encouraged to find objects that start with a specific sound. This game helps children recognize and isolate initial sounds in words—a crucial step in phonemic awareness.
For instance, a teacher might say, "I spy with my little eye something that starts with the /b/ sound." Children would then look around the room to find objects like a "ball" or "book," which helps them connect sounds to objects and words visually and aurally. This type of game not only makes learning fun but also embeds critical literacy skills in a memorable and engaging way.
Ormandy next emphasizes the importance of nursery rhymes and rhyming games in teaching children about sound patterns, which aids in their phonological development. Nursery rhymes are effective because they feature repetition, rhyme, and rhythm that help children predict and learn sounds and words.
Activities can include asking children to give a thumbs up if two words rhyme, or creating a rhyme circle where children take turns adding a word that rhymes with the one before. For example, if a teacher says the word "cat," a child might add "hat," followed by another saying "mat," and so on. This interactive approach not only reinforces the sound structure of words but also enhances children’s ability to hear and produce rhyming words, a skill linked to reading readiness.
The final strategy involves building alphabet knowledge through hands-on, interactive activities. Understanding the alphabet is more than recognizing letters; it involves connecting letters with their sounds and using them to form words. Ormandy suggests using techniques like embedded-picture mnemonics and engaging with physical letters for tactile learning experiences.
For example, using a beach ball with letters on it, children can play a game where they name the letter or sound their thumb lands on when they catch the ball. Another method involves using mnemonics, such as associating the shape of the lowercase letter 'r’ with a rainbow, to help children remember the sound associated with the letter. These strategies are not only educational but are also enjoyable, encouraging children to participate actively in their learning process.
These three strategies proposed by Ormandy are grounded in extensive research and practical application, offering educators effective tools to enhance early literacy development. By integrating these activities into daily routines, educators can provide a robust foundation for young learners, paving the way for successful reading and writing skills.
If you'd like to discover more about equipping all your staff members, from leaders and teachers to specialists and paraeducators, with effective learning opportunities, let’s start a conversation.
You can also check out our literacy training course, created in direct partnership with Dr. Ehri, Growing Proficient Readers: Dr. Ehris’ Phases of Development. This unique 4-hour course includes AIM's Animated Alphabet Cards with explicit instructional scripts to develop foundational literacy skills.
About AIM Institute: The AIM Institute for Learning & Research® is a non-profit center for educational excellence and professional development, providing educators with the latest research, technology, and evidence-based practices in the fields of literacy and language-based learning disabilities.