Wednesday, April 9, 2014

RICA Competency 4: Concepts About Print, Letter Recognition and the Alphabetic Principle

Introduction

In order to learn how to read, students must understand certain concepts about print, letter recognition and the alphabetic principle. This includes an awareness of the relationship between spoken and written language and an understanding that print carries meaning. It involves he ability to identify both the uppercase and lowercase letters when a teacher says the name of the letter and the knowledge that letter represent sounds.


Examples

When teaching students about the different concepts of print it is important to involve them in as many oral activities as possible. In my experience, reading aloud to my students has been extremely effective in helping them understand that print has meaning. The shared book experience is also a fun and exciting way for children to interact with each other and the print to give it meaning. As for teaching letter recognition, I have learned that putting letters and words to music help children make connections. 

In our Teaching English Language Learners text, we see several parallels.When it comes to learning the alphabet, “this early, important step can be easily accomplished through rhyme, song or chants. In addition, abundant and varied activities in which students identify, match and from letters all contribute to learning alphabet.” (Teaching English Language Learners pg. 67)

Differentiation

IF the student does not understand that letters represent sound THEN the teacher can display examples of environmental print to help them make connections to the print and sound they encounter on. a daily basis.

IF the student is struggling with letter recognition THEN the teacher can implement activities that associate names and things with letters.

IF the student is having a hard time reading words and sentences THEN the teacher can work on re-teaching concepts, letters and skills that are lacking. 


Assessments


Students participate in letter recognition and letter naming activities to show their understanding of print. 

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