Teachific Blog posted by Sharon Cullen 18 July 2024
Understanding how to teach reading effectively in the first year of
school is crucial for educators. This narrative, based on insights from
experienced educators Di and Phil, explores the multi-faceted approach
needed to develop young readers’ skills comprehensively.
Balancing Phonemic Awareness and Comprehension
In many schools, there is an overemphasis on phonemic awareness and
phonics, leaving little time for reading practice and comprehension
strategies. However, comprehension and vocabulary teaching are essential
and should be allotted substantial time. Di emphasizes that
comprehension skills begin early, even before children can fully decode
words. For instance, a child in New York inferred it was summer in a
story by noticing the sandals in the illustrations, showcasing the
importance of teaching children to use visual cues to enhance
comprehension.
