Progression in the Emergent Stage

Part I Emergent Spelling Sample Evaluation

Student Name Spelling Stage COW Prediction
(listed in order from Early-LN (Include Early, Mid, Late) (developing, rudimentary, or
to Mid-Emergent) firm)

Jackson Early/Middle Emergent Developing

Willis Middle Emergent Developing

Joe Late Emergent Rudimentary

Sam Late Emergent Rudimentary

Zach Late Emergent Rudimentary

Emma Early/Middle Letter Firm

Name/Alphabetic

Allison Middle Letter Name/Alphabetic Firm

Tyreka Middle Letter Name/Alphabetic Firm

Part II: Instructional choices for the mid-emergent spellers

Phonological Awareness Activity & Justification

For mid-emergent spellers, I would recommend doing a picture sort with the beginning consonant. These kids
are writing symbols that resemble letter forms. A picture sort would be helpful for these kids to build the
connection between the picture and initial consonants. I would probably start with B and C.

Alphabet Knowledge Activity & Justification

As an environmental set up, I would have an ABC strip on the child’s desk, and I would like to start with the
children’s names because these are natural for kids to learn first. I liked the idea of the “name of the day”
because it is more interesting to the kids and more letters are covered in less time. Name cards are
prepared in block letters and placed in a box or gift bag, and a pocket chart is available to display the
letters.
Additionally, I liked the idea of doing the ABC cereal sort on an ABC Chart because it is really hands
on and I think any activity involving food is a good way to get the kids interested and excited about
practicing the concept.

Concept of Word Whole-to-Part Text and Justification

A book I would consider reading is the The Three Bears ABC by Grace Maccarone because they story is told in
progression of the alphabet using words with the specific letter in different locations of the word, and it would be
a good book to read when reinforcing consonants and letters already learned. I just love how this book is
crafted in the way if the story does not progress with beginning consonants noted on that page, you will find
that letter sound in the middle or end of the word. (For example for the letter K, the author describes how the
rocking chairs broke in the kitchen.) I actually read this book to my child all the time, and she loves it! I have
personally found she has learned letters from the alphabet from reading this book with me, and she gets very
excited to point out letters she knows in this book.

For concept of word, I think the sound line would be a good activity to reinforce concept because the kids can
identify a picture they are familiar with and match it to the letter it goes with. This helps middle emergent
spellers practice the concept of initial consonants in a hands on manner. I can also see how this activity can
lead up to more complex activities involving middle and end sounds.