VIP Module 2 - Sound Circles to Teach Reading - Orton Gillingham Training – FREE Online Training

Summary

In this instructional module, Dr. Marianne Cintron demonstrates how to effectively use sound circles to enhance phonemic awareness and reading skills in students. She discusses the importance of tactile learning through color-coded circles representing vowels and consonants, guiding students through exercises with simple CVC words. The session emphasizes repetition, modeling, and the development of neural pathways in the brain. Dr. Cintron also introduces syllable exercises and the concept of the 'sneaky e,' showcasing various teaching strategies and resources available through her app. This engaging approach aims to empower both educators and students in their literacy journey.

Takeaways

• 😀 Sound circles are essential tools for teaching phonemic awareness and reading skills.
• 😀 Tactile exercises, such as manipulating colored circles, help students grasp word structures.
• 😀 The focus starts with simple CVC (consonant-vowel-consonant) words to build a strong foundation.
• 😀 Students benefit from verbal repetition and tapping out sounds to reinforce learning.
• 😀 Phonemic drills can be adapted for older students, emphasizing that everyone learns at their own pace.
• 😀 The use of color-coded circles distinguishes between vowels and consonants, enhancing clarity.
• 😀 Exercises should be tailored based on individual student progress and understanding.
• 😀 The app mentioned offers free downloads of exercises, making resources accessible.
• 😀 Consistent modeling and instruction promote independent learning among students.
• 😀 Incorporating different syllable types and silent letters enriches spelling and reading instruction.

Q & A

What is the purpose of using sound circles in this teaching method?

Sound circles are used to help students manipulate and visually represent sounds in words. By associating each sound with a specific circle color, students can physically move and identify sounds in words, aiding their phonemic awareness and literacy development.

Why are different colors used for vowels and consonants in this method?

Colors are used to distinguish between vowels and consonants, with vowels typically marked in one color (e.g., orange) and consonants in another (e.g., yellow). This visual distinction helps students identify and organize sounds more easily.

What is the significance of tapping out words during the learning process?

Tapping out words helps students break down the word into individual sounds. This tactile activity reinforces phonemic awareness and helps students build neural pathways related to sound recognition.

How does this method address the needs of older students, like those in middle or high school?

The method adapts to older students by emphasizing phonemic awareness drills to strengthen the brain's sound recognition pathways. It reassures older learners that they are not 'behind' but rather working on foundational skills to improve reading and spelling.

What is the purpose of using both online and face-to-face approaches in this method?

Using both online and face-to-face methods ensures flexibility and accessibility. The teaching technique is effective in both environments, providing students with consistent learning experiences regardless of the format.

What is a CVC word, and why is it important in this method?

A CVC (Consonant-Vowel-Consonant) word is a basic three-letter word that follows a consonant-vowel-consonant structure, like 'bed' or 'hat'. These words are foundational in building phonetic awareness, and mastering them prepares students for more complex words.

Why is it important to avoid jumping directly into writing during the early stages of learning?

It is crucial to focus on sound manipulation and phonemic awareness before moving to writing. This ensures that students first master identifying and pronouncing sounds before they are expected to spell or write words.

What are 'scoops' in this method, and how are they used?

Scoops are visual aids used to represent syllables in words. Each syllable gets a separate scoop, which helps students physically break down and visualize how words are constructed, especially when learning more complex multi-syllable words.

How does the app mentioned in the script enhance the learning experience?

The app provides interactive exercises that complement the physical sound circles and scoops method. It includes free downloads and offers further exercises to support students' progress, enhancing their learning with both auditory and visual stimuli.

What is the role of the 'sneaky e' or 'silent e' in this method?

The 'sneaky e' or 'silent e' is used to teach students the rule that a vowel followed by a consonant and then a silent 'e' usually changes the vowel sound (e.g., 'cap' to 'cape'). This rule is reinforced with tactile and visual cues to help students grasp the concept.