Spelling Using Jolly Phonics Actions
Practicing Letter-Sounds
Stage of Literacy Development:
Stage 1: Beginning LiteracyStage 2: Consolidation / Fluency
Ages:
3-8
Grade Range:
PreK K 1st 2ndFood Groups:
Primary:
Letter-Sounds & Phonics
Activity Description
Preparation:
-
Select 8-10 words that contain letter-sounds you have already taught
- For example, if you have taught all 42 letter-sounds, choose one-syllable words like “star” “clap” “shut” “chimp” “horn” “bird” “steam” “coin” “cow” “fax” “ring”
-
Gather student materials
- Each student will need 1 piece of lined paper and 1 pencil
Implementation:
- Present the first list word by showing the Jolly Phonics actions for each sound in the word
- Have students independently record the word on a piece of lined paper
- Continue the activity by acting out 8-10 different words and having students record each word
- Invite students to orally share and spell each list word
Adaptations For
English Language Learners/ESL:
- Repeat each word - Provide picture cues that match each Jolly Phonics action
LD/Reading & Writing Difficulties:
- Pre-teach each word in small groups or during one-on-one conferences
Cultural Appropriateness & Diversity:
- Choose words that are culturally inclusive and familiar
Differentiated Instruction:
- Record the correct spelling of each word on a piece of chart paper and anchor the chart on the wall
Related References
Evidence:
Mann, T. B., Bushell, D. & Morris, E. K. (2010). Use of sounding out to improve spelling in young children.Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 43, 89-93.
Activity Objective
The goal of Spelling Using Jolly Phonics Actions: Practicing Letter-Sounds is to use a method introduced by Sara Wernham and Sue Lloyd to help students read and spell words through an awareness of letter-sound correspondence.
What You Need
Prep Time:
10 minutes
- Select list words
- Gather student materials
Task Time:
10-20 minutes
- Teacher acts out each sound in the given words
- Students record and share the correct spelling of each word
Materials Required:
Teacher
- List words
Students:
- Lined paper
- Pencils
What You Do
Teacher Role:
Direct instruction:
- while teacher acts out each word and students record words
Student Grouping:
Whole class:
- when teacher acts out each word and students record words
Assessment Ideas:
- Track students' errors and use this as a formative assessment to determine which letter-sounds to focus on as a whole class or during small group instruction
Quick Tips
Activity Extensions:
- Invite students to act out words using Jolly Phonics actions - Turn this activity into a partner game by having students take turns to act out and guess given words using Jolly Phonics actions
Additional Comments:
- Teaching and practicing new concepts through a guessing game is a fun and motivating way for students to develop their understanding. - A systematic and explicit approach to teaching phonics in the early stages of literacy development is important to a student's development of basic reading and spelling skills. - Explicitly teaching phonics through an interactive and action-based program helps students become motivated for literacy.
Other Adaptations/Modifications:
- Strategically seat students who may require cues to refocus
Other Recipes by this Teacher
Let's Make Predictions: Building Reading Comprehension
1st - 3rd
Miming Words with Jolly Phonics: Practicing Letter-Sounds and Strengthening Phonemic Awareness
PreK - 2nd
