Learning Sounds and Letters Through Play - Online Series

This three-part series, led by Chrissy Johansen, special educator and reading specialist, will focus on unpacking phonological and phonemic awareness and phonics. Sessions will explore what these terms mean and what appropriate practice looks like in the early childhood classroom. Session 1 will look at how to embed phonological awareness into the day. Participants will explore language games, songs, and rhymes, and reflect on how phonological awareness practices can be woven into transitions, morning meetings, goodbye routines, and other parts of the day. Session 2 will dive deeper into phonemic awareness and explore how beginning-level phonemic awareness can be incorporated into the classroom setting. Finally, Session 3 will teach participants phonics at the early childhood level, focusing on letter and sound recognition.

Participants will be able to:

• Define the terms phonological awareness, phonemic awareness, and phonics.
• Explain the importance and impact of these skills on children’s literacy development.
• Implement intentional and appropriate teaching strategies that support children’s development of sound and letter awareness.
• Assess and adjust current learning environments and teaching practices to support children’s literacy development.

Participants can earn up to 10 PD hours by attending 3 facilitated online sessions and completing 3 assignments.