How Do You Know if Your Phonics’ Pacing Matches Your Students’ Needs?

Have you ever felt that you’re following your phonics scope and sequence, only to find that students are struggling/aren’t keeping up? Or maybe you’ve had certain students that are flying ahead and the curriculum seems too easy? What do you do if you have both types of students in your classroom?
Pacing can be tricky, and it’s definitely difficult to master!
In this video, I’ll talk about where to start with phonics at the beginning of the year, how you know when to move on, and what to do when students are needing a refresher in past learned skills.
Get a free K-2 phonics scope and sequence here: www.learningattheprimarypondr...
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[@learningattheprimarypond]

Does your curriculum include a pre-assessment? Or is this missing from your current curriculum? Type “included” or “missing” in the comments to let me know.

[@heathervoyer3782]

ESL newcomers are screened within 30 days of enrollment. Other ESL kids use the assessment from the previous spring. Schoolwide benchmark assessments are given to all students at BOY, MOY, and EOY. Scope and sequence is difficult even with small groups, BC they are grouped by homeroom, not by ability level.

[@jennifersinnott7254]

I think this is so important for teachers to evaluate where there students are phonetically. Most teachers continue on even if students are not secure in the skills. It is frustrating to coach them when they are just trying to make it through the curriculum and not focusing on the students needs. I am planning on sharing this video with them so maybe they can see the importance of their pacing guide.

[@learningattheprimarypond]

Yes, it's hard for teachers to balance sticking with a scope/sequence but also being responsive to the data they're seeing!

[@karenbennett4213]

Thank you for the wonderful tips throughout your video! This year we have been trying to do a better job of teaching for mastery not just exposure. In the younger grades for phonics we do whole group instruction of grade level concepts, but then our small groups reteach or extend the phonics practice students need.

[@learningattheprimarypond]

Sounds like you have a great plan to incorporate both whole group and small group instruction!

[@cwash144]

I found this to be super insightful, especially the diagnostic you mentioned, which by the way I do not have at my school. I also appreciate access to your freebie Phonics scope and sequence!

[@learningattheprimarypond]

Awesome to hear!!

[@tinalange8453]

Thank you for your phonics info. We have been trying to do more pre-unit and post unit assessments. Students can recognize the word but have trouble with dictation.

[@learningattheprimarypond]

Yes, the pre and post-assessments can help provide valuable info!

[@heathervoyer3782]

My ESL kiddos tend to REALLY struggle with short vowels. It makes that step seem so slow.

[@brendas.4100]

Yes, we have a few different spelling inventories.

[@heathervoyer3782]

What do you do about backsliding after extended school breaks?

[@learningattheprimarypond]

Hi Heather! First of all, know that this is totally normal! I purposefully integrate extra review into times when I'd normally be doing transitions or "brain breaks." We play a lot of review games during these times! In my phonics program, From Sounds to Spelling, there's already a spot in the lesson plan that allow for review. This is a great time to practice skills students may have temporarily forgotten!

[@paulinepretz4249]

I teach at a small private school and we do not have any formal assessment resource.

[@learningattheprimarypond]

Hey Pauline! Here's a free resource for a phonics assessment: www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Free-Phonics-Diagnostic-Assessment-7565061

[@heathervoyer3782]

Is your program compatible with ECRI?

[@learningattheprimarypond]

Yes, it's compatible!

[@elizabethfelsmann6968]

Where can I find this assessment?

[@learningattheprimarypond]

Here's the Free Phonics Diagnostic Assessment: www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Free-Phonics-Diagnostic-Assessment-7565061