Components of an Effective Structured Program

Research has shown a structured literacy program can help children who have trouble learning to read and spell words. This includes children with and children whose first language is not English.

What are structured Structured literacy programs teach in way that shows how parts of language literacy programs? fit together. Teaching is hands-on, using several types of activities. Programs that teach the following 6 concepts help children understand and use language.

How do sounds make Phonemic (foh-NEEM-ick) awareness is knowing the sounds that make up up words? words. Activities include: • Rhyming (cat, mat) • Counting out syllables (1: dog, 2: hel-lo, 3: ba-na-na) • Matching words with the same first sound (sit, sip) • Substituting one sound for a different sound (change b in bat to r to make rat)

How do letters make Sound-symbol match is knowing the sound letters or letter combinations sounds? (ch-, -th, -ight, etc.) make. This includes: • Short vowel sounds (the a sound in bat versus the a sound in bait) • Letter combinations (the th sound in bath versus the th sound in this)

How do you spell Conventions of print (orthography: or-THAH-gra-fee) is knowing different words and break them letter patterns and spelling rules. This helps readers divide longer words down? into readable “chunks” and understand how spelling rules work. Vowels are letters like a, e, i, o, u. Consonants are letters like b, c, d, f, g. The letter y can act like a vowel or a consonant. A syllable is a part of a word like hel- and –lo (hello). There are 6 basic types of written syllables:

• Closed (sand, bat, bunkbed) • Open (me, no) • Vowel-consonant-e (take, bike) • Vowel team (vow, mean, rain) • Vowel-r combinations (car, port) • The final consonant -le pattern (lit-tle, hum-ble)

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To Learn More Free Interpreter Services • Speech and Language • In the hospital, ask your nurse. 206-987-2104 • From outside the hospital, call the • Ask your child’s healthcare provider toll-free Family Interpreting Line, • seattlechildrens.org 1-866-583-1527. Tell the interpreter the name or extension you need.

Components of an Effective Structured Literacy Program

What do parts of Morphology (mor-FAH-lo-jee) is knowing the smaller units of meaning in words mean? words. This helps readers understand the meaning and spelling of new words. This includes:

• Prefixes (re- in redo, un- in unhappy) • Suffixes (-er in longer, -ness in happiness) • Root words (ball in football) • Base words (comfort, happy) • Word combinations (uncomfortable, happier)

How do you place Syntax is knowing how words are placed in order to create a sentence. It words in a sentence? helps with . This includes learning: • Parts of speech (nouns, verbs, adjectives) • Grammar or rules of language (verb tense, articles) • Word order in sentences and questions

What do phrases and Semantics is knowing the meaning of words, phrases and sentences. It sentences mean? helps with , listening, and speaking. This includes: • The meaning of words (vocabulary, synonyms, antonyms, etc.) • How words are organized and put together • Reading a variety of texts (poetry, stories, news, drama, etc.)

What can I do to Talk to your child’s teacher or reading specialist about structured literacy support my child programs. Ask if the concepts listed above are part of your child’s reading program. with structured literacy programs? Visit one of these websites to find activities and resources to work on these skills at home:

• The International Dyslexia Association (IDA) aims to help all who struggle with dyslexia and other reading challenges. dyslexiaida.org/what-is-structured-literacy/ • Reading Rockets is a literacy effort with information and resources on how children learn to read, why so many struggle, and how adults can help. readingrockets.org/article/structured-literacy-instruction-basics readingrockets.org/teaching/reading-basics

Seattle Children’s offers interpreter services for Deaf, hard of hearing or non-English speaking patients, family members and legal representatives free of charge. Seattle Children’s will make this information available in alternate formats upon request. Call the 9/20 Family Resource Center at 206-987-2201. This handout has been reviewed by clinical staff at Seattle Children’s. However, your child’s PE3338 needs are unique. Before you act or rely upon this information, please talk with your child’s healthcare provider.

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