Phonetic Level 3 Set: Key Sound Phonograms

Practice is what makes reading easier and, eventually, automatic. Beginning readers want to read, and this format shows them they can. The photos are a scaffold that helps students figure out how to pronounce each label, and the red phonogram tells them exactly where the phonogram is. The control cards let students find and fix their own errors, which is how humans learn best, with no teacher correction required.

First, make sure the student knows the name of each picture (use the three-period lesson if needed). Lay out the photo cards in a column. The student reads each word label and places it under its photo. Then the student places each control card just to the right of its photo/word pair to check and fix any errors independently. Start with any packet except th, and save th for last. For a dictation extension, one student reads a control card aloud while another builds the word with the movable alphabet, then they check it together with the control card.

These cards work like the phonogram object box, with a built-in control of error. After your first phonogram object box lessons, move to these cards to keep the reading going while students find and correct their own mistakes.

Students should read Level 1 (CVC) and Level 2 (consonant blend) words with ease and know the sound of each phonogram, often from the sandpaper letters. Ideally, they have already built words with these phonograms with the movable alphabet.

Typically ages 3 to 6, once a student reads Level 1 and Level 2 words with ease. Older students, English learners, and students in reading intervention also benefit.

Next, students move on to Level 4, with more challenging words, including compound words. After that, they're ready for non-phonetic words in our 3-Part Reading Cards.