Literally it means being aware of sounds.  This term refers to spoken sounds.  It is the ability to hear sounds and manipulate them. For example “t-a-p” vs “p-a-t.”  Both have the same letters; but they are in a different order.  Or “t-a-p” vs. “t-o-p” where the vowel sound is different.  Note:  This term differs from ‘phonogram’ which refers to the printed symbol.

You can learn at any age.  

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Oh my goodness yes.  Every child deserves to learn the simplicity (yes, simplicity!!) and clarity of our English language.  There are some children who are just natural readers. They just ‘get it’ when it comes to reading.  But when they understand more fully how the pieces go together, their skills are taken to an even higher level.  However, this group is in the minority.   The 2015 Nations Report Card revealed that approximately 2/3rds of 4th and 8th graders, nationwide, read below proficiency.  The scores for 12th graders in 2015 were 5 points lower than in 1992.  That should be enough proof that all children can benefit from a better method of instruction.

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Because we want children to experience success from the very beginning, and at each step moving forward, we begin with phonograms that have only one sound.  That way, when they begin blending, there is only one possible sound for each.  Hence, no guessing; just success.  For that reason, we teach single sounds consonants and vowel buddies before we teach two-sound consonants and multi-sound vowels.   Experiencing success at the beginning means that students are more confident when moving to the more complex steps.

There is no set time.  Frequent, short spurts tend to be very effective.  This helps with short attention spans, and helps retention.  Using environment print and teachable moments are generally more meaningful than worksheets.  Think circling 'bossy r' phonograms on a menu or just making a "buddy-bet" on whether you two will pass a jEEp in the parking lot as you go from your car to the grocery store.   There are also times you can create a whole activity around one phonogram such as making a weird beige shirt when studying phonogram “ei” or even spend a whole afternoon having a picnic, eating ice cream, and taking a taxi ride to teach the three sounds of ‘i.’

Parents can be a child’s most effective teacher.  There is so much going on in a classroom, that individualized, direct reading instruction is limited.  And ‘reading time’ occurs whether your child is in a receptive mood or not with a teacher who may or may not have been trained in best practices.  You know your child’s personality; you are with your child day and night; you have the opportunity for meaningful teachable moments.  You have the greatest incentive for your child’s future independence.  But you have to understand how the process works.  With Raising Robust Readers, you gain the knowledge and confidence to be the constant support for your child either at a desk or on the go wherever you go.   For more reasons why parents should take a more hands-on approach, listen to the documentary “Hard to Read” .   You will also hear about how well teachers know (or don't know!) the components of effective reading instruction as set out by the National Reading Panel in 2000 and as researched by the National Council on Teacher Quality in 2016.