Chapter 5: Cracking the Alphabetic Code
I: Overview
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
Chapter 5 Objectives
After reading this chapter, students should be able to:
1 Define phonemic awareness and discuss its role in literacy development.
Chapter 5 Outline
Vignette: Mrs. Firpo Teaches Phonics
Introduction
PHONEMIC AWARENESS
• Phonemic Awareness Strategies
PHONICS
• Phonics Concepts
• Teaching Phonics
• Assessing Phonics Knowledge
• What’s the Role of Phonics in a Balanced Literacy Program?
SPELLING
• Stages of Invented Spelling
• Nurturing English Learners
II. Teaching Suggestions
Preview Questions
Chapter 5 discusses the many ways in which teachers help their students crack the alphabetic
code. As the class begins a study of chapter 5, invite the pre-service teachers to discuss the
questions which follow.
1. Recall your early school experiences. What did you do when you encountered an unfamiliar
word? Did your teachers advise you to sound out unfamiliar words?
Focus Questions
Pre-service teachers should consider the questions below as they read chapter 5.
1. What is the difference between phonemic awareness instruction and phonics instruction?
2. Why is phonemic awareness instruction needed?
Class Activities
1 Elkonin Boxes can be an effective way to develop phonemic awareness. Demonstrate the use
of Elkonin Boxes in your college classroom.
After Class Activity
Dr. Seuss wrote many books which teachers can use to develop their students’ phonemic
awareness. Encourage your students to plan phonemic awareness lessons using books written by
Dr. Seuss.
III. Resources
Related Readings
Encourage students to explore chapter 5 topics in more depth by reading the following journal
articles and books.
Cunningham, P.M. (2009). Phonics they use: Words for reading and writing (5th ed.). Boston:
Allyn & Bacon/Pearson.
Yopp, H. K. & Yopp, R. H. (2000). Supporting phonemic awareness development in the
classroom. The Reading Teacher, 54, 130-143.
Online Resources
Using a Predictable Text to Teach High Frequency Words
Vocabulary with Franklin: Helping Students Become Word Wizards
Young children can become more fluent readers by participating in this activity suggested on the
Using Greeting Cards to Motivate Students and Enhance Literacy Skills
Birthday cards and holiday cards can motivate young children to read and write. This lesson