Literacy Big 5

Phonemic Awareness

• Phonemic awareness is only one type of phonological awareness.
• Children should be taught only one or two types of phoneme manipulation so they can learn them thoroughly
• Beginning with easier activites allows for better understanding and sets the groundwork for the future.

Phonics

• Systematic phonics have the greatest impact when instruction begins in Kindergarten or first grade.
• Instruction of phonics can be delivered effectively to the whole class, small groups, or individually.
• Phonics instruction should last for two years; K-1 or 1-2.
• Phonics helps relate letters and their sounds.

Fluency

• Fluency is important, as it connects comprehension with recognition of the word.
• Fluency can change depending on word familiarity, and what is being read.
• Tape-assisted reading can help increase fluency by having the student read what is being read on the audiotape by a fluent speaker.

vocabulary

• There are 4 types of vocabulary: Listening, speaking, reading, writing.
• Most of the vocabulary we use is learned indirectly.
• Context clues are a great way to learn the meaning of an unknown word.

comprehension

• Graphic organizers are a great way for students to summarize a text and relate it to what they may already know.
• Comprehension strategies include explicit instruction, cooperative learning, or a combbination of the two.
• Comprehension is important because it is the reason for reading.