Reading Foundations Through Poetry & Games: Part 1- Segmenting Sentences!

Researchers for several decades have agreed that phonological awareness and specifically, phonemic awareness, is the greatest predictor of reading success. Schools are adjusting programs to focus more on these specific auditory skills, however, sometimes there is just not enough time in the school day! This class seeks to supplement any reading curriculum your learner is currently using or not using. 
     This class is structured the same as my Caterpillar Reading Readiness class.  The first part of the class is a whole language experience inspired by nature and the poem, "What is Pink?" by Christina Rossetti. I read the poem while the learners color the provided page. We then observe the first two stanzas of the poem and follow its invitation to slow down, ask questions, and find the answers to "What is pink?" and "What is red?" in our world. Learners are invited to share their favorite pink and red items in their own homes during share time, or their favorite part of our poem. After our share time the learners themselves kick off our game time. This class moves quickly through three games that are each designed to help learners master the hearing individual words in sentences. Learners strengthen their reading foundation as they take time to learn that a sentence they hear like, "Howareya?" is actually three separate words in print, "How are ya?". Learners who can segment a sentence are much more likely to segment a word into syllables, and then a word into sound units. The games are interactive and might require space for moving around! I will introduce and model each game before asking the learners to join in. Once all games have been completed the students will receive a colorful rainbow reward!  The parent will receive feedback on the class and suggestions for games to play at home with the learner! This class will be beneficial for pre-readers, beginning readers, and struggling readers. 
      This class size is kept small so that I can provide a personal educational experience for all enrolled. For learners who are struggling readers in their own school environments they can carry shame and embarrassment with them. My greatest goal in my classes is to show learners they are seen and heard and Mrs. Katie really enjoys her time with them. Reading is a long journey, but why can't we have some fun and make new friends along the way?  

**Please note, this class is one of a four part series. Each class is listed as a one-time class and can be taken in sequential order or out of order. The four classes utilize the same poem, "What is Pink?" by Christina Rossetti. This is strategic and follows the "Five in a Row" pattern of reading. Learners when first hearing a book/poem listen for the plot and the "what is going to happen!" element of the story. With each successive reading the learner hears quality words and sentence structure. They build on the knowledge they gained the day before and elements of the book/poem jump out to them that didn't before. For my favorite aspect of this approach, the book/poem becomes an old faithful friend. 


***For classroom management:
- All learners must have their video on and be seen by the teacher atleast at the beginning of class. If you do not comply the learner will be placed in the waiting room for the entire class, per Outschool policy. 
-The zoom link & passcode will be posted to the classroom page 5 minutes before class for any troubleshooting issues.
-Once class starts I am unable to help with technology troubleshooting issues. The young age of the students requires my full attention from the very start and I feel they deserve it as well!  If audio/video issues persist leaving and reentering the classroom can help. You can always reach out to me after class with any concerns.
- It is imperative that I hear each learner as they sound out and pronounce words. Please use the mute button for any background noises.
Thank you for complying to make a safe and educational experience for everyone!