- Chapter 5 Cracking the Alphabetic Code English is an alphabetic language and children crack this code as they learn about phonemes (sounds), graphemes (letters), and graphophonemic (letter-sound) relationships. Chapter 5 offers definitions, instructional practices, and assessment tools that effective teachers use to help children crack the alphabetic code. Basic principles of phonemic awareness, phonics, and spelling are explained.
- Chapter 5 Objectives After reading this chapter, you should be able to:
- Define phonemic awareness and discuss its role in literacy development.
- Explain the role of phonics in a balanced literacy program.
- Describe components of a complete spelling program.
- Chapter 5 Focus Questions Consider the questions below as you read chapter 5.
- What is the difference between phonemic awareness instruction and phonics instruction?
- Why is phonemic awareness instruction needed?
- What is the most effective way to offer phonics instruction?
- What is the most effective way to offer spelling instruction?
- What assessment tools can help teachers monitor their students’ progress in phonemic awareness, phonics, and spelling?