Middle School Reading Sample Lesson 1
Small Group instruction in phonics and fluency
VC/CV Syllable Division (two syllables)
This sample lesson is for a small group of students who demonstrate difficulty when sounding out multisyllable words
and lack fluency in their reading
Materials: Small dry erase board, dry erase markers, word list for student practice, sentences containing VC/CV words.
Introduction: teacher tells students that reading multisyllable words can be simple once they are broken down into
smaller chunks (syllables)
1. Teacher explains and models the VC/CV syllable division rule in isolation
a. write the word bandit on a dry erase board
b. model how to mark vowels with a V and consonants with a C (VCCV). Then divide the word VC/CV
v c c v
bandit
v c/c v
ban/dit
c. model how to sound out the syllables and blend together to get the whole word.
2. Students participate in guided practice of the VC/CV syllable division rule in isolation
a. Have students write the word hobnob on a piece of paper (or individual dry erase board)
b. tell them to mark the vowels with a V and the consonants with a C
c. check to make sure vowels and consonants are marked correctly
d. tell students to divide the word using the VC/CV method
e. check to make sure words are correctly divided
f. tell students to silently sound out and blend the syllables (look at teacher when complete)
g. on the teacher’s cue, all students say the word simultaneously
h. teacher monitors for correct decoding
3.
Repeat steps one and two above using a three syllable word (hobgoblin, intending, commented)
4. Students independently practice and apply the VC/CV syllable division rule
a. Have students write the word concept on their paper (or individual dry erase board), and tell them to
mark the vowels and consonants, divide the word, and silently sound and blend the syllables (look at
teacher when complete)
b. on the teacher’s cue, all students say the word simultaneously
c. teacher monitors for correct decoding
5.
Further independent practice
a. present students with VCCV word list and have them mark, divide, sound out, and blend each word on
the list.
b. when students have completed the word list, chorally read the words on the list
c. teacher monitors for correct decoding
6.
Practice in controlled context
a. present students with sentences containing VCCV words
b. tell students to underline all VCCV words and practice decoding them using the VC/CV syllable division
rule
c. have students silently practice sentences
d. when students are finished, chorally read the sentences, monitoring for correct decoding and fluency
e. when finished, students may play Word Hunt (mulit-syllable, closed) for the reminder of the time.
7.
Practice in context
a. monitor whole group reading texts, highlighting VCCV words when encountered
The next instructional session with these students can begin with a brief review of the VC/CV rule, followed by
independent application on a word list (as above), and ending with practice in controlled context. If students can
successfully decode VCCV words, move onto dividing V/CV words.
Materials:
Sentences containing VCCV words
1. Camden won the contest for the biggest pumpkin in the state of Wisconsin.
2. We saw the Denver Bandits win a fantastic basketball game at the buzzer.
3. The monster chased the victim into the empty parking lot.
4. After dinner, we plodded up the hill to the park where we expected to see the sunset.
5. The drummer had a problem with his cotton shirt at the big concert.
Let’s warm up with some word reading. Remember that when you come to a longer word, look for syllables and
read it syllable by syllable. These words all have closed syllables (short vowels), and most are two syllables. Let’s
give it a try!!
expect
selfish
pumpkin
disgust
pulpit
insect
progress
bashful
signet
mistrust
dispel
suspect
unzip
distrust
bankrupt
compact
compel
confess
culprit
submit
gumdrop
happen
contest
rustic
pumpkin
address
falcon
impel
inject
pummel
imprint
inject
ransom
contest
consult
absent
contest
pummel
conduct
disrupt
fantastic
conduct
consult
impress
uplift
subject
impress
disrupt
dismal
campus
dismal
cosmic
uplift
pulpit
entrap
thicket
disgust
campus
mistrust
combat
distant
signet
mustang
bankrupt
extend
constant
distrust
address
submit
cosmic
sluggish
culprit
imprint
pumpkin
disgust
sunlit
rustic
absent
bashful
compact
magnet
pulpit
fantastic
unzip
gumdrop
entrap
mistrust
subject
confess
address
combat
bankrupt
selfish
contest
imprint
extend
submit
progress
impel
absent
Word Hunt directions and game boards can be found at:
http://internet.savannah.chatham.k12.ga.us/district/HumanResources/ProfessionalLear
ning/Pages/WordHunt.aspx?AuthoringError=NoUpdatesOnGetRequest
Select the closed link under the Multi-syllable heading.