Phonics Micro-teach

In our English seminars we were set a task that would help develop our knowledge and understanding of teaching phonics. Our tutor split the class into groups of four, with each person in the group allocated a different phonic phase (either Phase 3, 4, 5 or 6). Then we each had to individually plan and prepare a 15-20 minute discrete phonic lesson to deliver to your group in a future session.

I was allocated Phase 6 for this task. This was fortunate for me, as my placement in year one of the course was with a reception class, so I had gained quite a bit of experience in relation to the early phases of phonics, through observation and teaching. My mentor allowed me to observe phonics teaching in the nursery and the year one class as well. However, Phase 6 of phonics (following the 'Letters and Sounds' guidance) is usually taught in Year 2, so I was able to develop my phonics knowledge further.

At first I was unsure what was included in Phase 6, as once children reach this phase they have already been taught all the different phonemes. After some research I found out that Phase 6 is based mainly on children becoming fluent readers and increasing the accuracy of their spellings. My lesson was based on memory strategies for spellings, including: mnemonics, analogies, using base words and using syllables to help children develop their spelling skills.

We all thought it seemed awkward at first when teaching our lessons in our groups, as we were told to deliver the lesson exactly how we would to children, but as we settled into it we found the experience to be very beneficial, especially for the students who had not had chance to teach phonics before. Even though we felt a bit silly, it didn't matter as we all were joining in and getting involved. After each person did their micro-teach lesson we provided feedback and discussed what went well and how we could improve and adapt our ideas. This has helped me to think about how my phonics knowledge and teaching can be developed further and also provided me with some new amazing ideas for teaching phonics across the different phases.