1. Chapter 4 Letter Knowledge Kathy Duplessis

2. What? Letter Names –Mostly memorization because of the lack of correlation between letter names and shapes. Letter Shapes –Handwriting practice is one of the best ways to learn letter shapes. Letter Sounds –Most letter names contain the sound of the letter which enhances learning the sound. This is called iconicity. Letter Formation (handwriting) –Theres a direct correlation between handwriting skills and basic reading and spelling success.

3. Why? Letter Knowledge is the Foundation for Reading That foundation leads to improved accuracy, fluency and reading comprehension. Having that confidence in place allows student to focus on other emerging skills. A childs ability to identify the letters of the alphabet by name is one of the best predictors of how readily he or she will learn to read. –Treiman, Kessler & Pollo 2004

4. When? Formal instruction (systematic and planned) needs to take place in preschool/kindergarten and into first grade. Sequence of Teaching: 1.Letter Names Students need to learn the order of the alphabet (such as in the song) but also the letters out of sequence. There is no set order for teaching the names of the letters. 2.Letter Shapes and Formation Some of the requirements for this component include correct pencil grip, posture and letter formation. Spacing within and between words is another factor. 3.Letter Sounds Students can utilize their success in letter naming to make the connection to the sound. Some letters require more time to learn than others.

5. When to Assess Screening (a snapshot) Kindergarten-fall, winter, and spring. 1 st grade-fall Ongoing observing and monitoring progress throughout each unit. Students are assessed on the speed and accuracy of their letter knowledge to show how thoroughly they know them.

6. How? Classrooms should include the following whole class and small group strategies: –Singing the Alphabet Song –Utilizing alphabet books/cards –Playing hands-on alphabet games/activities –Setting up an alphabet center –Incorporating guided writing practice –Practicing automaticity (automatic letter naming and letter sound naming) –Taking more time for letters with difficult or confusing shapes or sounds. –Making time for cumulative reviews.

7. Letter knowledge and its components (sounds and formation) in the early grades are the building blocks for becoming a successful reader. Conclusion :