Building Blocks of Reading: Strengthening Phonics and Fluency
This class helps 2nd-5th graders build reading fluency by reinforcing letter sounds, blending, and sentence writing. Each skill builds on the last, helping students engage with more complex texts over time and become fluent readers.
What's included
8 live meetings
6 in-class hoursHomework
1-2 hours per week. includedAssessment
Students will be assessed weekly on the letter sounds they have learned, including both the new sounds from that week and any previously covered.Class Experience
US Grade 2 - 5
Beginner Level
What Will My Child Learn?
• This class uses the proven Orton-Gillingham method to strengthen your child’s
foundational reading skills.
• We will focus on phonics, teaching your child how to recognize letter sounds,
blend them into words, and write sentences.
• Students will also work on reading fluency to improve their speed and accuracy
with reading aloud.
How Does This Class Work?
• Letter-sound recognition (phonemes) for mastering key sounds.
• Word blending to form simple and complex words from these sounds.
• Dictation exercises where students write out words and sentences, improving
both spelling and comprehension.
• Fluency drills to help students read more smoothly and confidently.
• Multisensory learning, where students use visual, auditory, and tactile experiences
to better understand and retain reading skills.
How Will My Child Be Taught
• Live, interactive lessons: Your child will attend real-time classes with opportunities
to ask questions and get personalized feedback.
• Multisensory approach: We incorporate different tools and techniques to suit
various learning styles, including blending boards, word-building exercises, and
sand trays.
• Home practice materials: We provide additional resources for students to practice
at home, helping to reinforce the skills they learn in class.
How Will My Child Be Taught?
• Each lesson is carefully structured around the Orton-Gillingham approach, known
for helping students who may need extra support in reading.
• I will blend live visual, auditory, and tactile learning methods, keeping students
engaged with hands-on activities and interactive learning tools.
• Students will use blending boards, word dictation, and guided reading exercises
to progress step by step.
What Is the Teaching Style Like?
• My teaching style is highly interactive and multisensory, designed to involve your
child actively in the learning process.
• We use fun and engaging activities like word games, visual aids, and movement-
based learning to keep students motivated and focused.
• This personalized approach helps ensure every student feels supported and
confident in their progress.
• Your child will have multiple opportunities to interact with me and their
classmates during live instruction.
• We will use word games, blending drills, and dictation activities to reinforce key reading skills.
This class is designed to meet the needs of all students, especially those who may need additional help with reading or missed key skills in earlier grades. Using the Orton-Gillingham method, students will develop the confidence and fluency they need to become strong, capable readers. Your child will learn in a fun, engaging, and supportive setting that fosters a love of reading!Learning Goals
Phonemic Awareness Mastery:
Students can accurately identify and blend letter sounds (phonemes) to form words, demonstrating proficiency in foundational phonics using the Orton-Gillingham method.Reading Fluency Development:
Students will improve their reading fluency by practicing word blending, sentence dictation, and reading aloud accurately and quickly, building toward confident, smooth reading of grade-level texts.
Syllabus
Curriculum
Follows Orton-Gillingham CurriculumStandards
Aligned with Common Core State Standards (CCSS)8 Lessons
over 4 WeeksLesson 1:
Lesson 1: Letters “i” and “j”
Phoneme focus: Short /i/ as in “it,” “in,” and “sit.”
Activities:
Sand Tray Writing: Students will write the letter “i” in a sand tray or rice while repeating the sound aloud.
Blending Practice: Using blending boards, students will combine the sound /i/ with consonants to form CVC words like “in,” “sit,” and “fit.”
Supplies Needed:
Sand, rice, or salt in a shallow tray
Paper and pencil for word writing 45 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
Lesson 2: Focus on the Letter “j”
Phoneme focus: /j/ as in “jam” and “jet.”
Activities:
Jam Writing: Students will trace the letter “j” using jam or jelly on a paper plate while repeating the sound.
Blending Practice: Combine /j/ with vowels to create words like “jam” and “jug.”
Supplies Needed:
Small amount of jam or jelly
Paper plate or wax paper
Paper and pencil for word writing
Sandwich bag 45 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
Focus on the Letter “k”
Phoneme focus: /k/ as in “kit” and “kick.”
Activities:
Writing Practice: Students will practice writing the letter “k” using a multisensory approach with salt or shaving cream.
Blending Drill: Students will blend /k/ with short vowel sounds to form CVC words like “kit,” “kick,” and “kite.”
Supplies Needed:
Salt, shaving cream, or sand
Paper and pencil 45 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
Lesson 4: Focus on the Letter “l”
Phoneme focus: /l/ as in “lip” and “log.”
Activities:
Leaf Rubbing Activity: Students will collect leaves to rub their texture on paper and trace the letter “l.”
Blending Practice: Create words like “lip” and “lap” using blending drills.
Supplies Needed:
Leaves for rubbing
Crayons and paper
Paper and pencil for word practice 45 mins online live lesson
Other Details
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined May, 2021
Teacher expertise and credentials
Michigan Teaching Certificate in Elementary Education
Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education from North Carolina A&T State University
My name is Sharron Thomas, and I am a 1st-grade teacher with a passion for nurturing young minds and helping them build strong foundational skills in reading and social studies. My teaching philosophy centers on creating an engaging, inclusive, and supportive environment where all students can thrive and develop a love for learning.
I have 15 years of experience working with students, including nine years in the classroom. I graduated from North Carolina A&T State University and am pursuing a master’s degree in educational leadership at Wayne State University.
A fun fact about me is that I had the incredible opportunity to teach in Cairo, Egypt for two years, which broadened my perspectives and allowed me to bring unique global insights into my teaching. Outside of the classroom, I love to travel, which helps me incorporate diverse experiences into my lessons.Reviews
Live Group Course
$32
weekly or $128 for 8 classes2x per week, 4 weeks
45 min
Live video meetings
Ages: 9-13
2-6 learners per class
