32 Step By Step Phonics Lessons

Phonics is a crucial component of reading instruction. It is the method of teaching students to read by helping them understand the relationship between sounds and letters. With phonics, students learn to read by breaking down words into individual sounds and matching them to corresponding letters or letter combinations.

Lesson 1: The Alphabet

The first lesson in teaching phonics is teaching the alphabet. This lesson should be used to help students recognize and identify the letters of the alphabet.

1. Begin by reciting the alphabet song and asking students to join in.
2. Write the letters of the alphabet on the board and ask students to name them.
3. Have students practice writing the letters of the alphabet.
4. Play alphabet games such as “I Spy” or “Letter Bingo.”

Lesson 2: Consonants

The second lesson in teaching phonics is introducing consonants. This lesson should be used to help students recognize and identify consonant sounds.

1. Introduce consonants by saying the sound each consonant makes.
2. Ask students to identify and name consonants.
3. Have students practice writing consonants.
4. Play consonant games such as “Consonant Bingo” or “Consonant Sound Match.”

Lesson 3: Vowels

The third lesson in teaching phonics is introducing vowels. This lesson should be used to help students recognize and identify vowel sounds.

1. Introduce vowels by saying the sound each vowel makes.
2. Ask students to identify and name vowels.
3. Have students practice writing vowels.
4. Play vowel games such as “Vowel Bingo” or “Vowel Sound Match.”

Lesson 4: CVC Words

The fourth lesson in teaching phonics is introducing CVC (consonant-vowel-consonant) words. This lesson should be used to help students understand the concept of blending sounds to make words.

1. Introduce CVC words by saying a word and having students repeat it.
2. Sound out each letter of the CVC word and have students blend the sounds together to say the word.
3. Have students practice writing CVC words.
4. Play CVC word games such as “Word Family Sort” or “Word Building.”

Lesson 5: Short Vowels

The fifth lesson in teaching phonics is introducing short vowels. This lesson should be used to help students recognize and identify short vowel sounds in CVC words.

1. Introduce short vowels by saying a short vowel sound and having students repeat it.
2. Have students identify short vowel sounds in CVC words.
3. Have students practice writing short vowel CVC words.
4. Play short vowel games such as “Short Vowel Sound Match” or “Short Vowel Bingo.”

Lesson 6: Long Vowels

The sixth lesson in teaching phonics is introducing long vowels. This lesson should be used to help students recognize and identify long vowel sounds in words.

1. Introduce long vowels by saying a long vowel sound and having students repeat it.
2. Have students identify long vowel sounds in words.
3. Have students practice writing words with long vowels.
4. Play long vowel games such as “Long Vowel Sound Match” or “Long Vowel Bingo.”

Lesson 7: Blends

The seventh lesson in teaching phonics is introducing blends. This lesson should be used to help students recognize and identify blends in words.

1. Introduce blends by saying a blend and having students repeat it.
2. Have students identify blends in words.
3. Have students practice writing words with blends.
4. Play blend games such as “Blend Bingo” or “Blend Sort.”

Lesson 8: Digraphs

The eighth lesson in teaching phonics is introducing digraphs. This lesson should be used to help students recognize and identify digraphs in words.

1. Introduce digraphs by saying a digraph and having students repeat it.
2. Have students identify digraphs in words.
3. Have students practice writing words with digraphs.
4. Play digraph games such as “Digraph Sound Match” or “Digraph Bingo.”

Lesson 9: Silent E

The ninth lesson in teaching phonics is introducing the silent E rule. This lesson should be used to help students recognize and understand how the silent E changes the pronunciation of a word.

1. Introduce the silent E rule by saying a word with a silent E and having students repeat it.
2. Have students practice adding a silent E to a word and pronouncing it correctly.
3. Have students practice writing words with a silent E.
4. Play silent E games such as “Silent E Word Sort” or “Silent E Word Building.”

Lesson 10: R-Controlled Vowels

The tenth lesson in teaching phonics is introducing R-controlled vowels. This lesson should be used to help students recognize and identify R-controlled vowels in words.

1. Introduce R-controlled vowels by saying a word with an R-controlled vowel and having students repeat it.
2. Have students identify R-controlled vowels in words.
3. Have students practice writing words with R-controlled vowels.
4. Play R-controlled vowel games such as “R-controlled Vowel Sound Match” or “R-controlled Vowel Bingo.”

Lesson 11: Vowel Teams

The eleventh lesson in teaching phonics is introducing vowel teams. This lesson should be used to help students recognize and identify vowel teams in words.

1. Introduce vowel teams by saying a word with a vowel team and having students repeat it.
2. Have students identify vowel teams in words.
3. Have students practice writing words with vowel teams.
4. Play vowel team games such as “Vowel Team Word Sort” or “Vowel Team Word Building.”

Lesson 12: Diphthongs

The twelfth lesson in teaching phonics is introducing diphthongs. This lesson should be used to help students recognize and identify diphthongs in words.

1. Introduce diphthongs by saying a word with a diphthong and having students repeat it.
2. Have students identify diphthongs in words.
3. Have students practice writing words with diphthongs.
4. Play diphthong games such as “Diphthong Sound Match” or “Diphthong Bingo.”

Lesson 13: Compound Words

The thirteenth lesson in teaching phonics is introducing compound words. This lesson should be used to help students understand how to combine two words to make a compound word.

1. Introduce compound words by saying a compound word and having students repeat it.
2. Have students practice identifying compound words.
3. Have students practice writing compound words.
4. Play compound word games such as “Compound Word Match” or “Compound Word Building.”

Lesson 14: Homophones

The fourteenth lesson in teaching phonics is introducing homophones. This lesson should be used to help students recognize and understand words that sound the same but have different meanings and spellings.

1. Introduce homophones by saying a homophone and having students repeat it.
2. Have students practice identifying homophones.
3. Have students practice writing homophones.
4. Play homophone games such as “Homophone Match” or “Homophone Bingo.”

Lesson 15: Syllables

The fifteenth lesson in teaching phonics is introducing syllables. This lesson should be used to help students understand how to break words into syllables.

1. Introduce syllables by saying a word and clapping out the syllables.
2. Have students practice breaking words into syllables.
3. Have students practice writing words with multiple syllables.
4. Play syllable games such as “Syllable Sort” or “Syllable Counting.”

Lesson 16: Prefixes

The sixteenth lesson in teaching phonics is introducing prefixes. This lesson should be used to help students recognize and understand how prefixes change the meaning of a word.

1. Introduce prefixes by saying a word with a prefix and having students repeat it.
2. Have students identify the prefix in words.
3. Have students practice writing words with prefixes.
4. Play prefix games such as “Prefix Match” or “Prefix Building.”

Lesson 17: Suffixes

The seventeenth lesson in teaching phonics is introducing suffixes. This lesson should be used to help students recognize and understand how suffixes change the meaning of a word.

1. Introduce suffixes by saying a word with a suffix and having students repeat it.
2. Have students identify the suffix in words.
3. Have students practice writing words with suffixes.
4. Play suffix games such as “Suffix Match” or “Suffix Building.”

Lesson 18: Contractions

The eighteenth lesson in teaching phonics is introducing contractions. This lesson should be used to help students understand how two words can be combined to make a contraction.

1. Introduce contractions by saying a contraction and having students repeat it.
2. Have students practice identifying contractions.
3. Have students practice writing contractions.
4. Play contraction games such as “Contraction Match” or “Contraction Building.”

Lesson 19: Multi-Syllable Words

The nineteenth lesson in teaching phonics is introducing multi-syllable words. This lesson should be used to help students understand how to break down and read longer words.

1. Introduce multi-syllable words by saying a longer word and clapping out the syllables.
2. Have students practice breaking down longer words into syllables.
3. Have students practice reading longer words.
4. Play multi-syllable word games such as “Syllable Word Sort” or “Syllable Word Building.”

Lesson 20: Sight Words

The twentieth lesson in teaching phonics is introducing sight words. This lesson should be used to help students recognize and read common sight words that do not follow regular phonics rules.

1. Introduce sight words by saying a sight word and having students repeat it.
2. Have students practice identifying and reading sight words.
3. Have students practice writing sight words.
4. Play sight word games such as “Sight Word Match” or “Sight Word Bingo.”

Lesson 21: Reading Fluency

The twenty-first lesson in teaching phonics is focusing on reading fluency. This lesson should be used to help students practice reading smoothly and with expression.

1. Have students practice reading short passages of text.
2. Provide feedback and coaching on reading fluency, such as using appropriate pacing, expression, and intonation.
3. Have students practice reading longer passages of text.
4. Play reading fluency games such as “Read with Expression” or “Fluent Reading Races.”

Lesson 22: Reading Comprehension

The twenty-second lesson in teaching phonics is focusing on reading comprehension. This lesson should be used to help students understand what they are reading and make meaning from the text.

1. Have students read a passage of text and answer comprehension questions.
2. Provide feedback and coaching on reading comprehension, such as asking questions, making connections, and summarizing.
3. Have students read longer passages of text and answer more complex comprehension questions. 4. Play reading comprehension games such as “Comprehension Connection” or “Reading Response Races.”

Lesson 23: Writing Skills

The twenty-third lesson in teaching phonics is focusing on writing skills. This lesson should be used to help students practice writing using the phonics skills they have learned.

1. Have students practice writing words and sentences using the phonics skills they have learned.
2. Provide feedback and coaching on writing skills, such as using appropriate grammar, punctuation, and spelling.
3. Have students practice writing longer passages of text.
4. Play writing games such as “Writing Races” or “Writing Prompts.”

Lesson 24: Vocabulary Development

The twenty-fourth lesson in teaching phonics is focusing on vocabulary development. This lesson should be used to help students learn new words and expand their vocabulary.

1. Introduce new words to students and provide definitions and examples.
2. Have students practice using new words in sentences.
3. Have students practice identifying synonyms and antonyms for new words.
4. Play vocabulary games such as “Word Match” or “Vocabulary Builder.”

Lesson 25: Reading Aloud

The twenty-fifth lesson in teaching phonics is focusing on reading aloud. This lesson should be used to help students practice reading aloud with confidence and clarity.

1. Have students practice reading aloud short passages of text.
2. Provide feedback and coaching on reading aloud, such as using appropriate volume, tone, and pace.
3. Have students practice reading longer passages of text.
4. Play reading aloud games such as “Read Aloud Relay” or “Reader’s Theater.”

Lesson 26: Phonemic Awareness

The twenty-sixth lesson in teaching phonics is focusing on phonemic awareness. This lesson should be used to help students recognize and manipulate individual sounds in words.

1. Introduce phonemic awareness by saying a word and having students identify the individual sounds in the word.
2. Have students practice manipulating individual sounds in words, such as adding or deleting sounds.
3. Have students practice writing words by identifying and spelling individual sounds.
4. Play phonemic awareness games such as “Sound Match” or “Sound Building.”

Lesson 27: Decoding Strategies

The twenty-seventh lesson in teaching phonics is focusing on decoding strategies. This lesson should be used to help students develop strategies for decoding unfamiliar words.

1. Teach students different decoding strategies, such as using context clues, breaking words into parts, and sounding out words.
2. Have students practice using decoding strategies to read unfamiliar words.
3. Provide feedback and coaching on decoding strategies, such as using appropriate strategies for different types of words.
4. Play decoding strategy games such as “Word Decoding Relay” or “Decode the Secret Word.”

Lesson 28: Reading Genres

The twenty-eighth lesson in teaching phonics is focusing on reading genres. This lesson should be used to help students explore different types of literature and develop preferences for reading.

1. Introduce students to different reading genres, such as fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and biography.
2. Have students read and discuss different examples of each genre.
3. Provide opportunities for students to choose books and materials from different genres to read independently.
4. Play reading genre games such as “Genre Bingo” or “Genre Match.”

Lesson 29: Fluency Practice

The twenty-ninth lesson in teaching phonics is focusing on fluency practice. This lesson should be used to help students practice reading fluently and with expression.

1. Have students practice reading short passages of text and provide feedback and coaching on reading fluency.
2. Provide opportunities for students to read with a partner or in small groups to practice reading fluently and with expression.
3. Have students record themselves reading and listen back to evaluate theirreading fluency.
4. Play fluency practice games such as “Fluency Relay” or “Fluency Challenge.”

Lesson 30: Comprehension Strategies

The thirtieth lesson in teaching phonics is focusing on comprehension strategies. This lesson should be used to help students develop strategies for understanding and making meaning from text.

1. Teach students different comprehension strategies, such as making predictions, asking questions, summarizing, and visualizing.
2. Have students practice using comprehension strategies to understand and make meaning from text.
3. Provide feedback and coaching on comprehension strategies, such as using appropriate strategies for different types of text.
4. Play comprehension strategy games such as “Comprehension Challenge” or “Text Analysis.”

Lesson 31: Vocabulary Strategies

The thirty-first lesson in teaching phonics is focusing on vocabulary strategies. This lesson should be used to help students develop strategies for learning and using new words.

1. Teach students different vocabulary strategies, such as using context clues, identifying word roots and affixes, and using a dictionary or thesaurus.
2. Have students practice using vocabulary strategies to learn and use new words.
3. Provide feedback and coaching on vocabulary strategies, such as using appropriate strategies for different types of words.
4. Play vocabulary strategy games such as “Vocabulary Race” or “Word Detective.”

Lesson 32: Assessment and Review

The thirty-second lesson in teaching phonics is focusing on assessment and review. This lesson should be used to help students review and apply the phonics skills they have learned and assess their progress.

1. Provide opportunities for students to review and apply phonics skills through games, activities, and reading and writing exercises.
2. Use formal and informal assessments to evaluate student progress and identify areas for improvement.
3. Provide feedback and coaching on phonics skills and encourage ongoing practice and improvement.
4. Celebrate student progress and success with rewards, recognition, and positive feedback.

FAQs

What is phonics instruction?

Phonics instruction is a method of teaching students to read by helping them understand the relationship between sounds and letters. With phonics, students learn to read by breaking down words into individual sounds and matching them to corresponding letters or letter combinations.

What are some common phonics rules?

Common phonics rules include the silent E rule, the CVC rule, the long and short vowel rules, the R-controlled vowel rule, and the vowel team rule.

How can I teach phonics to my child at home?

You can teach phonics to your child at home by using games, activities, and reading and writing exercises that reinforce phonics skills. You can also use resources such as phonics workbooks, online phonics programs, and educational apps.

How can I assess my child’s phonics skills?

You can assess your child’s phonics skills by using formal and informal assessments such as reading fluency tests, decoding and comprehension assessments, and writing samples.

What are some tips for teaching phonics effectively?

Some tips for teaching phonics effectively include making learning fun and engaging, using a variety of instructional strategies and materials, providing opportunities for practice and feedback, and celebrating student progress and success.

How long does it take to learn phonics?

The amount of time it takes to learn phonics varies depending on individual factors such as age, learning style, and prior knowledge. However, with consistent and effective instruction, most students can master phonics skills within a few months to a year.

What is the difference between phonics and phonemic awareness?

Phonics is the method of teaching students to read by helping them understand the relationship between sounds and letters, while phonemic awareness is the ability to recognize and manipulate individual sounds in words. Phonemic awareness is a precursor to phonics and is typically taught before phonics instruction begins.

Are there any downsides to teaching phonics?

One potential downside of teaching phonics is that it can lead to overemphasis on decoding and word-level skills at the expense of higher-level comprehension skills. However, when taught effectively and in balance with other reading skills, phonics instruction can be a valuable tool for helping students become proficient readers.

Can phonics be taught to English language learners?

Yes, phonics can be taught to English language learners by using instructional strategies and materials that are appropriate for their language proficiency level. Teachers can also use strategies such as incorporating visual aids and using context to help English language learners understand phonics concepts.

What are some resources for teaching phonics?

There are many resources available for teaching phonics, including phonics workbooks, online phonics programs, educational apps, and games and activities. Teachers and parents can also consult with reading specialists and educational experts for guidance and support in teaching phonics effectively.