which grapheme should be taught first

2 min read 06-09-2024

When teaching reading and writing, one of the foundational decisions educators must make is determining which grapheme to teach first. A grapheme is the smallest unit of written language, such as a letter or a combination of letters that represent a sound. Understanding the sequence of grapheme instruction can significantly impact a child’s literacy development.

Importance of Grapheme Instruction

Teaching graphemes effectively is crucial because they form the basis of phonics, enabling children to decode words and develop their reading skills. Effective grapheme instruction lays the groundwork for further literacy skills, including spelling and writing.

Factors to Consider

Several factors should be taken into account when deciding which grapheme to teach first:

Frequency of Use:
- Begin with graphemes that occur frequently in written language. For instance, the letters t, s, a, p, and m are among the most common in English words.
Phonemic Awareness:
- Children should develop phonemic awareness before grapheme instruction. Introducing graphemes that represent sounds easily identifiable can reinforce this awareness.
Simple to Complex:
- Start with single-letter graphemes, gradually progressing to digraphs and blends as students become more comfortable. This staged approach prevents overwhelm and allows for mastery.
Consistency:
- Teaching graphemes that consistently represent the same sound (like the letter s always producing the /s/ sound) can help build confidence and comprehension.

Recommended First Graphemes

Based on the above considerations, here are some recommended graphemes to start with:

1. The Letter 'S'

Sound: /s/
Rationale: It’s a common consonant sound that appears in numerous high-frequency words such as "see" and "is."

2. The Letter 'A'

Sound: /a/
Rationale: As a vowel, 'a' is crucial for developing an understanding of short vowel sounds and appears in many foundational words.

3. The Letter 'T'

Sound: /t/
Rationale: The letter 't' is prevalent in many words and helps students begin blending sounds quickly.

4. The Letter 'P'

Sound: /p/
Rationale: Another common sound that allows for the formation of simple CVC (consonant-vowel-consonant) words like "pat" and "tap."

Conclusion

Choosing which grapheme to teach first is a critical decision in the early stages of literacy development. By focusing on frequently used graphemes that are simple and consistent, educators can provide a solid foundation for students' reading and writing skills. Careful consideration of phonemic awareness and the complexity of sounds can help guide this important teaching decision. Ultimately, the goal is to foster a love of reading and writing in students while equipping them with the tools they need to succeed.