Essential, Impactful Phonics Instruction
The research is clear: systematic and explicit phonics instruction is essential for reading development. How can teachers deliver this essential, impactful phonics instruction while integrating appropriate reading materials and differentiating instruction?
Expert Support
The High-Impact Phonics Instruction Masterclass host Wiley Blevins, MEd, is a world-renowned expert on early reading and an author of many professional development books on teaching young children to read. For more than 30 years, he has studied and explored phonics, how it is taught, and the common obstacles that stand in the way of teachers delivering the most effective instruction to maximize student learning. Wiley is the author of Sadlier’s From Phonics to Reading program for Grades K–3. Wiley has taught elementary school in both the United States and South America. A graduate of Harvard Graduate School of Education, he has written over 15 books for teachers, authored elementary reading programs, conducted research on topics ranging from fluency to using decodable text, and regularly trains teachers throughout the United States and Asia.
Decodable Texts
From Wiley’s decades of research, we know that students progress at a much faster rate in phonics when the bulk of instructional time is spent on applying the skills to authentic reading and writing. There must be a link between what students are learning in phonics instruction and reading. Reading controlled, decodable text is a tool to support early phonics instruction.
A common challenge for teachers is finding decodable texts that support early readers. Texts are essential, yet those that task students to read sounds and letters that they haven’t yet learned can be detrimental to student progress. Appropriate reading material allows students to apply their decoding skills in authentic ways and to develop comfort and control as readers. The right texts will also engage and motivate students to read more. Students should be reading texts that are accessible and that require them to apply only the phonics skills that they’ve already learned. Truly accountable texts are:
In Class 1: Choosing and Using Decodable Texts of Wiley’s 2-Part Masterclass, you’ll review the importance of decodable texts as an early instructional tool and how to choose and use decodable texts in your classroom. You’ll also learn how to modify decodable texts to maximize impact on reading development—phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension.
Differentiation
When it comes to phonics instruction, one size doesn’t fit all. Differentiation is a key aspect, and often a challenge, of impactful phonics instruction. It is essential that instruction and materials support all students. Students need multiple tiers of instruction when it comes to phonics including grade-level instruction: whole group instruction for all students with differentiation and modifications for some, and small group instruction with differentiated support targeted to the needs of students.
In Class 2: Differentiating Phonics Instruction of Wiley’s 2-Part Masterclass, you will learn about differentiating phonics instruction and see lessons modeled for differentiating instruction in whole-group lessons and in small-group lessons, too. You can apply the take-aways from this Masterclass directly to benefit all your students.
Do Your Homework
Register for the 2-Part High-Impact Phonics Instruction Masterclass taking place on October 20 & 21. As a registrant, you’ll have the option to watch the Masterclass LIVE with Wiley or on demand at your convenience.
Before you join the Masterclass, prepare by downloading these free resources from Wiley Blevins.
For more information about everything phonics, visit Sadlier’s dynamic From Phonics to Reading web page where you can find all the answers to your questions about phonics!
Don’t miss the High-Impact Phonics Instruction Masterclass hosted by Wiley Blevins on October 20 & 21 at 7:00 p.m. EST. You’ll be eligible to receive a Certificate of Participation and gain access to FREE resources that will support your teaching! Enroll now!
Please join the Phonics to Reading with Wiley Blevins Facebook Group so you can connect with other educators, get additional support throughout the school year, and have your questions answered by Wiley himself!
