Mrs. Spitzley’s Ph-Ph-Phenomenal Phonics
Why This Classroom is Loud for All the Right Reasons
There is a kind of magic in a 'noisy' classroom when that noise is the synchronized sound of first graders cracking the phonetic code one syllable at a time. We followed the sound to a room full of eager students, huddled around, pencils moving, and Mrs. Spitzley navigating her class through the twists and turns of compound words. Mrs. Spitzley, a seasoned instructional expert, led the room through a rhythmic call-and-response that left her students completely locked into the lesson. During their visual drills, she paused to check: "How many sounds?" she asked of her young learners. When she quizzed, "When do we use -ed?", the students shouted back in perfect sync, "At the end of a word!" The energy peaked as she flashed the digraphs; at the sight of PH, the room filled with a collective "FFFFF," followed by a synchronized, "SHHHHH" for SH. When an experienced educator like Mrs. Spitzley masterfully guides early learners through the architecture of phonetics, she isn't just teaching sounds; she is handing them the key to a lifetime of literacy. By the end of this first-grade lesson, her class was so phonetically fired up that they looked ready to take on the entire dictionary, one 'ph-ph-phenomenal' sound at a time. LET’S GO VIKINGS.
Why This Classroom is Loud for All the Right Reasons
There is a kind of magic in a 'noisy' classroom when that noise is the synchronized sound of first graders cracking the phonetic code one syllable at a time. We followed the sound to a room full of eager students, huddled around, pencils moving, and Mrs. Spitzley navigating her class through the twists and turns of compound words. Mrs. Spitzley, a seasoned instructional expert, led the room through a rhythmic call-and-response that left her students completely locked into the lesson. During their visual drills, she paused to check: "How many sounds?" she asked of her young learners. When she quizzed, "When do we use -ed?", the students shouted back in perfect sync, "At the end of a word!" The energy peaked as she flashed the digraphs; at the sight of PH, the room filled with a collective "FFFFF," followed by a synchronized, "SHHHHH" for SH. When an experienced educator like Mrs. Spitzley masterfully guides early learners through the architecture of phonetics, she isn't just teaching sounds; she is handing them the key to a lifetime of literacy. By the end of this first-grade lesson, her class was so phonetically fired up that they looked ready to take on the entire dictionary, one 'ph-ph-phenomenal' sound at a time. LET’S GO VIKINGS.
Spring Fling Craft Show
Lakewood High School
3/21 9am-2pm
Lakewood High School
3/21 9am-2pm
Father/Daughter Date Night
Disney Princess Theme
2/18 6-8pm
LECC - Woodland, MI
Disney Princess Theme
2/18 6-8pm
LECC - Woodland, MI
Do you need dinner plans for Thursday? How about PIZZA!
Anyone family can participate. Even families that do NOT have students or students at Lakewood Elementary. Marco's is teaming up with LES. Mention any LES teacher's name and the teacher with the most mentions wins a pizza party for the class.
Hey Vikings!
Get your white out gear for the 9/5 football game! Orders for white out gear will close Aug. 28th. Scan QR CODE or go to https://seamoutfitters.com/student-section to get your family's gear today and support Project Graduation.
Scan Shop Support!
Mrs. Beard’s Second Graders Explore the World of Words
Instructional Strategies for Reaching Every Child
The floor was the place to be as second graders gathered close, captivated by Mrs. Beard’s voice as she led them through an exploration of words. Together they listened for which words rhymed, and which words didn’t belong. Mrs. Beard’s students turned detectives, uncovered how one word can have multiple meanings, expanding their vocabulary and reading comprehension. One student identified the word ‘board’, he said, “like ‘bored’ when you feeling uninterested, or ‘board’ like a surfboard. “WOW!” responded Mrs. Beard, “great example!” Another student added, “or ‘board’ like when you get on an airplane!” Mrs. Beard was so impressed with the flow of examples her students shared. Next she guided them through strategies like 'chopping' words to break down those longer words, and then 'blending' them back together. They got out their “choppers” and collectively sounded out and chopped words in unison. Lakewood Elementary teachers are truly skilled at their craft, they’re masterful at transforming learning into a fun and engaged adventure for their students. Their talent in making learning accessible for all students using a range of instructional techniques allows kids to build confidence, thrive, and succeed. Go Vikings!
