Sample III-5: Phonological Awareness (3-5)

  1. Engaging parents in a short, motivating, introductory activity. "A few weeks ago, you learned the importance of extended conversations. How is this strategy working?" (Encourage parents to share their ideas.) "We have been having fun with language, books, and storytelling. Let's sing one of the songs your children have been learning." (Sing a song.) "Did you notice all the rhyming words? Which words rhyme? Rhyme is an important type of phonological awareness. Today we will learn more about phonological awareness."
  2. Presenting new information. "Phonological awareness is the process through which children become aware of the sounds of letters. It is an auditory and oral skill not a print skill. But it's an important pre-reading skill. You just experienced a phonological awareness activity by singing a song. Children enjoy singing and through singing they begin to distinguish different sounds. Helping your child expand phonological awareness will make it easier for him/her to learn to read. One way to do so is by singing rhyming songs such as Twinkle Twinkle Little Star."
  3. Processing the information through activities. "Think about one of your child's favorite rhyming songs and write the words down. (Encourage parents to write and share their ideas.) Who would like to share their song?"

    Note: If parents can't write well in English they could write a song in their native language, or the teacher could write it down for them. If some of the parents have not learned to write in their first language, adapt the activity by having them just sing the song or recite the verses.

  4. Helping parents apply the new information. "Now that you have practiced singing, be sure to share your song with your child. Don't forget to sing, sing, sing to your child." Tell parents you will discuss how they used this strategy during the next session.


Sample III-6: Letters and Words (3-5)

  1. Engaging parents in a short, motivating, introductory activity. "Take a look at the books on your table. What do you notice about them? Yes, they are all alphabet books. These books are one way to help your child learn about letters, their shapes and sounds. Take another look at the book you chose. What would your child enjoy about the book?" (Allow for discussion.)
  2. Presenting new information. "Now that we have shared a few alphabet books, take a few moments and think about other items in your home that you can use to teach letters. For example, how many of you have alphabet soup or pasta at home?" (Encourage parents to write and share ideas.)
  3. Processing the information through activities. Provide materials such as, alphabet pasta, cereals, labels, magazines, and newspapers. "Look at the different materials on your table. Each of these can be used in your home to help your child learn letters. Think about three ways you can use the materials in your home." (Encourage parents to share ideas. Remind parents the most important thing about this activity is exposing children to letters and the letter sounds, parents can use the letters in their native language as appropriate.)
  4. Helping parents apply the new information. "Now that you have finished, take turns and practice using your materials with a partner. Use these materials with your child at home this week. Next week we will discuss how it went."