During our literacy time we have been working on a variety of skills that are critical for reading development. We use a program called Fundations to learn letter names, letter sounds, and letter formation.  Each letter is introduced with a key word to help children remember the corresponding sound. This week we learned the letters t, b, and f.  We have spent time talking about words that begin with each of these sounds as well as practicing writing the letters.  

We have also been working on phonological awareness skills. Phonological awareness is the ability to identify and manipulate sounds in language and is a critical first step in learning to read.  These include rhyming, playing with word parts including syllables and beginning sounds, as well word awareness, which is the understanding that sentences are made of words and each word we say is represented by one written word, with spaces between. Children have practiced reading simple "I can..." and "I like..." sentences, pointing to the words as they say them to help develop the idea of one spoken word for each written  word. We have practiced these skills in a variety of ways, including "write the room," which is an activity kindergarteners tend to love.  Children get to walk around with clipboards and recording sheets looking for pictures that help them practice specific skills. This is a great way to keep part of the class engaged while I work with a small group.  Our first "write the room" involved deciding if two pictures rhymed or not. 

While these are essential skills to practice for reading acquisition, perhaps the most important thing you can do to support your children's development as readers is read books to them. We gather with third and fourth grade learning buddies once a week to do just that (along with other fun activities throughout the year.)  This quickly becomes a much anticipated time of each week and is a great way for kindergarteners to get to know older students in the building.