I teach in a 4/5 building, and although I work with "big kids" we still have students who have gaps in their reading. We use Aimsweb testing, and the QPS (Quick Phonics Screener) for students who are not meeting benchmarks. Often, this is due to a lapse in skills along the way. We have a small group intervention time for reading, in our MTSS (multi-tiered systems of support) know as RTI (response to intervention) in many parts of the country.
During this time, there are small groups, 1-5 students working on individual skills. There are also three larger groups working on vocabulary and fluency. We are hoping to add in a multisyllabic words in the near future.
Today, though, I wanted to share 3 tried and true resources with you. Some of these at the 4/5 level are useful for students who have more significant needs, but would be great for younger grades. Others, have a wide range of applicable ages and skills, so take a little bit of time to peruse to you hearts content!
West Virgina Reading First
The first free resource comes from West Virgina Reading First. There are multiple lessons and most of the needed resources for each lesson are included (ex. flashcards). This resource is great for younger grades, and I used parts of it for students in my building who had a high need and the super explicit lessons and activities worked great.
Florida Center for Reading Research
I absolutely LOVE this resource! Florida Center for Reading Research is worth checking out for awhile. A variety of topics, activities, and applicable grade level skills. Love, love, LOVE! Block off some time to see everything and have plenty of ink on hand!
Phonics Genius
Phonics Genius free app with tons of phonics combinations. I have my students use the flashcards set up for a new card on a swipe and the word to be pronouced for them with a tap. This way, students can try out a word and have the ability to listen and see if they were correct. If they were, I have them listen and try to repeat while they look at the word. A quick little activity we do from time to time, and the students are super engaged. More so than if I were to have paper flashcards. There is also a game mode that can be utilized as well.
There you go! Three FREE resources to help support your phonics instruction and intervention work!
