You might think that word study would be implemented beginning in first grade, but that is not the case. Our emergent readers are part of the reader continuum, and phonological awareness and phonics are a critical part of reading instruction at the emergent level. What does it look like? Well, one might think of it as word play, but there is a systematic progression even for our youngest learners.

Pre-readers who know some of the alphabet and use the names of letters begin to connect the letter name and symbol to the sound it makes, right. Well, the focus at this stage is that connection between print and sound. We want them to be able to isolate and identify the initial sound of B for /b/ump or J for /j/am). We use chants, picture and object sorts, rhyming games, and activities such as these to address the beginning sounds of words. Gradually, as the pre-reader builds confidence, we move to ending sounds working toward a firm concept of word. Evidence of the student’s understanding is his/her writing. You might observe squiggly lines. Then, you’ll see letter like figures, followed by the most identifiable sound in the word. Gradually, you’ll see beginning and ending sounds. By this point, the child is ready to begin reading.

Key Ingredients for Kindergarten Literacy

Alphabet Letters and Sounds

Alphabet recognition is one goal for emergent readers.  Knowledge of the alphabet helps the student to make letter/sound match as they try to spell. Sorting different letter fonts is one option you can use, and you should practice the student’s name and the names in the classroom gradually building on the number of letters the child recognizes. Using environmental print such as McDonald’s or Wendy’s helps with letter name recognition too.

Using Concept of Word Poetry to Reinforce Word Study Development

Picture Sorting by Beginning Sounds and Rhyme

As COW develops and the student builds letter identification skills, it’s important that the teacher model sorting pictures by initial consonant. Sort picture cards by initial consonant sounds and rime to focus on rhyming skills. Gradually add to the level of difficulty as you work with all five short vowel sounds and word families.

Word Study Teaching Sequence

Begin by having the students contrast two distinct sounds such as B and S. Add additional sounds such as M and R, working up to comparing four sounds at a time. The progression you choose is important in that you want to have contrasting sounds. For example, comparing words that begin with N and M might be challenging since the sounds are formed similarly. Here is a sequence I’ve followed that works well. It was recommended in Words Their Way. Once a student recognizes a few consonants, he/she is ready to begin making words with short a.

• B and S / B,S, and M / B, S, M, and R
• T and N / T, N, and P / T, N, P, and G
• L and K / L, K, and W / L, K, W, and J
• YZV

As you work on the sounds above, you should encourage students to label their pictures with invented spelling. Certainly, we know they will be watching each other and will try to copy you as you model writing. Having fancy pens, stampers, chalk/chalkboards, and markers for kids to use encourages writing, and we know writing reinforces reading. Writing letters to friends, drawing and labeling, filling in a sentence frame, and making lists are just a few writing options that work well to solidify letter/sound relationships.

Segmenting and Blending Sounds

Finally, be sure to model how words can be segmented into sounds and match them to particular letters as you write for the children. This can be done as you write a “morning message” together, or as you write the children’s dictations under a drawing they have done. Have LOTS of chart paper on hand (old school…maybe, but guess what? Those chart paper samples make great souvenirs of learning for your students. Send them home to share with mom and dad.) Remember that any time you write in front of the students, you have an opportunity to show them how to listen for the sounds in words.

Resources for Word Study

Certainly, these suggestions are just a start, but hopefully, it at least gives you a little framework of what word study looks like in kindergarten. In the last year, I’ve created a few resources specifically for kindergarten. Here are a few that support word study:

Alphabet Paper Bag Books

Rhyming with CVC Words

Finally, I have an alphabet remediation kit and a rhyming remediation kit that you might check out HERE AND HERE. Word work helps build foundational skills, and I hope this helps give you a clear word study plan.