How to Teach Phoneme Identification

In this section we are going to walk you through the steps you'll need to take in order to teach phoneme identification to your students:

3.1 Prepare for Instruction — Word lists and teaching strategy demonstrations
3.2 Explicitly Teach the Skill — Example lessons on how to identify phonemes using I Do, We Do, You Do
3.3 Provide Independent Student Practice — Printable student activities and recording sheets

You can work through these sections sequentially, or jump straight to what you need.

As with all literacy skills, to teach phoneme identification you'll use an evidence-based approach called structured literacy. A signature feature of structured literacy is the gradual release model which a lot of us know as I Do, We Do, You Do. You'll clearly, explicitly teach a skill, which means you'll explain and demonstrate the skill to your students. Then, after modeling, you'll give your students opportunities to practice with your support and, when they are ready, individually.

Letters Come Later. Phonemes are initially taught without the use of letters. When you introduce the concept of a phoneme, the focus should be on sound, not print. This is especially true for struggling readers who need additional practice in hearing sounds that make up the language.

3. How to Teach Phoneme Identification

Phoneme Identification Skill Explainer