Based on the Science of Reading Framework
1. Phonemic Awareness
The ability to hear, identify, and manipulate individual sounds (phonemes) in spoken words.
- Foundation of reading success—without it, decoding is difficult.
- Skills include rhyming, blending, segmenting, and isolating sounds.
- Must be taught explicitly and systematically.
2. Phonics
The relationship between letters and sounds, and how they work together to form words.
- Teaches students to decode (read) and encode (spell) words.
- Includes sound-letter correspondence, spelling patterns, and decoding strategies.
- Best taught with a structured, sequential approach (e.g., CVC → blends → digraphs → multi-syllabic words).
3. Fluency
The ability to read with accuracy, speed, and appropriate expression.
- Fluency bridges decoding and comprehension.
- Repeated readings and guided oral reading improve fluency.
- Fluency frees up cognitive energy for understanding what is read.
4. Vocabulary
The words students need to know to communicate and comprehend effectively (e.g., meaning)
- Includes oral and written vocabulary.
- Taught through direct instruction and exposure to rich, meaningful language.
- Strong vocabulary is closely tied to comprehension success.
5. Comprehension
The ultimate goal of reading: understanding and interpreting text.
- Requires a combination of word recognition, language skills, background knowledge, and thinking strategies.
- Students need instruction in summarizing, predicting, questioning, and inferencing.
- Also involves understanding text structure and genre.
📈 Why Reading Matters: Key Statistics
Free Reading Resources
Phonemic Awareness
Phonemic Awareness
Phonemic Awareness
Goal: Be able to hear, identify, and manipulate individual sounds in spoken words.
- Activities:
- Sound matching games
- Rhyming puzzles
- Blending and segmenting worksheets
- Minimal pairs activities (especially helpful for ELL learners)
Bonus: Lesson Plan
Phonics
Phonemic Awareness
Phonemic Awareness
Goal: Build knowledge of letter-sound relationships and spelling patterns.
- Activities:
- Word Building with Letter Tiles or Cards
- Decodable Readers Practice
- Phonics Sorting Games
- Sound Mapping / Elkonin Boxes
Bonus: Lesson Plan
Fluency
Phonemic Awareness
Vocabulary
Goal: Improve reading speed, accuracy, and expression.
- Activities:
- Repeated Readings
- Choral Reading / Echo Reading
- Reader’s Theater
- One-Minute Reads / Timed Fluency Practice
Bonus: Lesson Plan
Vocabulary
Daily Reading & Progress Tracker
Vocabulary
Goal: Expand word knowledge to support reading and comprehension.
- Activities:
- Frayer Model Vocabulary Maps
- Semantic Mapping / Word Webs
- Act It Out (Kinesthetic Vocabulary)
- Tiered Word Work
Bonus: Lesson Plan
Comprehension
Daily Reading & Progress Tracker
Daily Reading & Progress Tracker
Goal: Develop understanding, interpretation, and critical thinking skills.
- Activities:
- Think-Alouds (Modeling Strategy Use)
- Retell & Summarize With Visuals
- Question-Answer Relationships (QAR)
- Reciprocal Teaching
Bonus: Lesson Plan
Daily Reading & Progress Tracker
Daily Reading & Progress Tracker
Daily Reading & Progress Tracker
Goal: To encourage, monitor, and improve reading habits and skills.
- Resources:
- Daily Reading Chart
- Progress Trackers
Featured Apps by My Kids Brain
LALA
Help your child become a confident reader through interactive phonemic awareness activities designed for young learners and ESL students. Powered by the Science of Reading, our program not only builds core reading skills but also uses Voice Recognition to Give Instant Feedback making learning more engaging and effective.
