Teaching with Geodes
Consider conducting additional phonemic awareness practice incorporating the featured words in the Sound Search section by using routines from your foundational skills program.
Look for opportunities to return to previously studied Geodes for content connections or additional phonemic practice. For example, students may find items in one Sound Search Book that start with the Focus Letter Sounds from a previous set or unit.
If students express curiosity about a specific topic or location, consider bringing in additional read-aloud materials or finding video clips to deepen their knowledge.
INSTRUCTIONAL DECISION-MAKING WITH DUET BOOKS Modules 3 and 4 feature Duet Books written for emerging readers to apply their phonics learning with the support of an adult, or more advanced, reader. As you plan instruction with Duet Books, consider student needs along with the following potential supports:
Before reading, students may need an introduction to the Fundations® Trick Words featured in a book. These words are listed on the second page of the Book Notes that accompany each book.
Some students may benefit from a preview of the book’s content-related vocabulary to build familiarity with the topic. Multiple reads provide opportunities for varying levels of support. Students who need more decoding assistance can begin by whisper reading the child-read text along with the teacher, then choral reading, and then partner reading the child-read text. The goal is for students to read the child-read passages more independently with each repeated reading. These rereads allow students to build their decoding skills and gather more knowledge each time. Determine the level of support needed for each student and provide ways for students to progress toward further independence during each read. Students will gain confidence from strategic support that allows them to be as independent as possible. For additional information on Duet Books design and sample teaching routines, see page 27 of this teacher resource.
TARGETED SUPPORTS FOR FLUENCY Fluency includes four elements: accuracy, phrasing, expression, and rate. Emerging readers benefit from focusing primarily on accuracy, phrasing, and expression. Repeated readings of a book can benefit students as they develop their skills in each of these areas. Students may engage in repeated readings during small group time as well as during center time or at home by using My Geodes. Consider the following supports as needed to bolster students’ fluency.
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