The research has shown, phonological awareness is critical for learning to read any alphabetic writing system (Ehri, 2004; Rath, 2001; Troia, 2004). This weekly class is all about phonological awareness with a special focus on the "r" sound.  We will review what the /r/ sounds like, how to make the sound, how to identify its location in words (beginning, middle or end), and how to manipulate it in words (ex. what happens when you take away the "r" sound in the word "road" and then add /t/... you get the word "toad"). I like to keep my classes small so that I can interact with each student. Depending on the class, we may make silly sentences, create stories with /r/ words, play memory games and other fun activities to help build awareness of the /r/ sound. I also incorporate time for students to share and talk by asking questions and cultivating a social group dynamic. No experience is required. This class is not intended to be or replace speech therapy. This class is meant to provide exposure and practice opportunities for students who want to build awareness of the /r/ sound and support their speech and reading development.

Here are the themes each week:
Week 1 of May 29 : initial r and r-blends
Week 2 of Jun 12: "air", "ire", "or"
Week 3 of Jun 19: "ar"
Week 4 of Jun 26: "er"
-end of course until further notice-