Elementary Education
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, The Big 5 Areas of Reading... Phonemic Awareness
Phonics
Comprehension
Fluency
Vocabulary
Phonemic Awareness The acknowledgement of sounds in words, it can be taught with the eyes closed.
Focusing on sound rather that letter identification.
Phonics The connection between letters and sounds, must be taught with the eyes open.
Comprehension The reader can ascribe meaning to a text.
Fluency The ability to read the same way one speaks, with smoothness and fluidity.
Vocabulary Strong ties between oral and written language, knowing what a particular word
means
How can students increase vocabulary? By listening to others, reading, and being read too.
How can teachers teach comprehension? By asking questions, asking students to summarize, or using a graphic organizer.
Define Balanced Literacy The methods used to teach "The Big 5" reading skills, by building a curriculum to
focus on those skills.
Examples of Balanced Literacy Independent Reading, Small Group Reading, Whole Group reading.
How can teachers help students understand that print By demonstrating everyday when presenting text to the class, writing on the board.
carries meaning?
Describe Independent Reading Where students choose books at their reading level.