March 14th- Molly

I could really relate to the Thompson Chapter 5. This chapter was titled "Cracking the Code". Basically it was different ways to break down reading and spelling to young children. In my current placement, this is a HUGE part of the day. My students are always focusing on the phonics of words since they are just learning to read, write and spell. When they rewrite they are constantly breaking the words down by syllables like the text noted. The text also talks about different songs and books you can use to teach rhyming. I noticed nearly a handful or two of books and songs my CT has used in the classroom when I was there! Also the text talks about phonic conceptions such as when the "i" makes a long "i" or short "i" sound and that ch is /ch/ and sh is /sh/. My CT has taught her students multiple scenarios on how to remember what sound to use. For instance the students know that when there is an "mommy e" at the end of the word (such as "like" or "dive") the "mommy e" tells the "i" to "state your name". I hear these students tell these stories ALL the time when they are doing there writing. The same thing goes for "oo". I am so impressed that nearly every kid knows that "school" has two "oo"s because of these simple rules. Finally, towards the end of the chapter there are the most frequently used words. Once again my CT has some of these words posted on a word wall and reviews the words daily, adding new ones once the old ones have been mastered.