Oral language
Strategy
Strategy: Bead Counting
Appropriate Grade Level: Preschool
Procedures/Steps:
This strategy helps students focus on counting syllables in words or words in
sentences or segmenting words into onsets and rimes.
 Bead counting can be used with individual students, small groups, or
large groups.
 String along six large wooden beads of a single color on a thick cord or
yarn.
 Ask children to count the words in a sentence or syllables in words and to
remove a bead, one word or one syllable at a time.
 After students have completed the targeted task, have them hold up their
strings.
 The teacher can quickly assess the students’ responses.
 Easy to implement
Comments and/or tips:
 Instructions can be easily manipulated to fit ability level.
 Provides a hand on approach to words.
 It is fun!
Source:
Pullen, P.C. & Justice, L.M. (2003). Enhancing phonological awareness,
print awareness, and oral language skills in preschool children.
Interventions in School and Clinic, 39, 87-98.