Foundational reading

Grades 3–5 practice sound-spelling patterns. Grades 6–8 use syllables, roots, and academic words. Older students are not placed in early phonics by default.

• Short a in closed syllablesRead and build closed syllables with the short a sound.
• Short iDistinguish short i from short a while blending three sounds.
• Beginning blends st and trBlend two consonant sounds without losing either one.
• Digraphs sh and chRead sh and ch as one sound spelled with two letters.
• Silent e and the vowelExplain how a final silent e changes the vowel sound in these words.
• The vowel team eeRead ee as one long e sound.
• Closed and open syllablesDivide a two-syllable word and name the vowel pattern in the first syllable.
• Prefixes un- and re-Read a base word and a prefix as parts with meanings.