Activity: Phoneme Segmentation with CVC Words

Learner Level: Alphabetic/Beginner

Language Component: Phonological Awareness
Preparation: Prepare a set of cards which the students will use to segment words.
The cards should be based on a concept that the students are working on such as
word families. Choose a method of segmenting (chips, figits, ink dots) that will work
for each participating student.
Procedural Steps for direct instruction:
1. Introduce the segmenting concept to the students by explaining that it is a
way to identify each sound that exists in a word. It will help the student to be
able to spell and write the word.
2. Demonstrate how the segmenting cards work by talking through the process
using Think Alouds.
3. Have students practice along with the teacher, making corrections as needed,
until the students have mastered the concept. Ask students “What sound do
you hear in the middle? What is the beginning sound?
Follow up with Guided Practice & Independent Practice
4. Have the students continue to practice this time using Elkonin boxes and
word family picture cards to segment the words. The teacher makes
corrections as needed.
5. Have the student work independently using word family cards, a poppit, and a
writing mat. The students will say the word, segment the word as they
“poppit”, write the word, and finally read the word.
Possible adjustments
If resources are limited, students can use fingers, teacher-made Elkonin boxes , or
bingo markers for segmenting. ELL students may benefit from having pictures on all
of the cards used. Students who usually catch on quickly may benefit from being
given a few challenge words.