graphemes to teach first

2 min read 06-09-2024

Teaching young learners to read and write involves introducing them to graphemes, the smallest units of written language. Understanding graphemes is essential for developing literacy skills. In this article, we will explore the most effective graphemes to teach first and how to incorporate them into early reading and writing activities.

What are Graphemes?

A grapheme is a letter or a combination of letters that represent a sound in a language. For example, in the English language, the letter "b" is a grapheme that represents the /b/ sound, while the combination "sh" represents the /ʃ/ sound as in "shoe."

Why Focus on Specific Graphemes First?

Focusing on a specific set of graphemes allows learners to build a strong foundation for decoding and encoding words. Teaching the most common and phonetically straightforward graphemes can facilitate the process of reading and writing.

Key Graphemes to Teach First

1. Single-Letter Graphemes

Consonants: Begin with the most common consonants such as m, s, t, p, n, h, and b. These letters are frequently used in simple words and help students practice blending sounds.
Vowels: Introduce short vowels such as a, e, i, o, and u. These vowels form the core of many words and are essential for early reading.

2. Common Digraphs

Once students are comfortable with single-letter graphemes, introduce digraphs. A digraph consists of two letters that make one sound. Important digraphs to teach include:

sh as in "ship"
ch as in "chair"
th as in "think"
wh as in "what"

3. Blend Consonants

Teach students consonant blends, where two or three consonants appear together in a word without losing their individual sounds. Common blends include:

br as in "bread"
st as in "star"
cl as in "clap"

4. Common Word Families

Introduce word families that share the same ending sound, which can help students recognize patterns in words. For example:

-at: cat, bat, hat
-it: sit, bit, lit
-op: hop, top, mop

Teaching Strategies

1. Phonics Games

Use interactive games to engage students in learning graphemes. Activities such as matching games, memory cards, and letter tiles can reinforce grapheme recognition.

2. Visual Aids

Create visual aids such as flashcards and charts to display graphemes. Associating visuals with sounds can help students remember and recognize graphemes more easily.

3. Read-Aloud Sessions

Incorporate read-aloud sessions using books that focus on specific graphemes. This exposure helps students see graphemes in context and aids in their comprehension skills.

Conclusion

Teaching graphemes effectively lays the groundwork for reading and writing skills in young learners. By starting with key single-letter graphemes, common digraphs, and blends, educators can help students develop confidence in their literacy journey. Remember to utilize engaging strategies to make learning enjoyable and interactive!