About Articulation

 

Making sounds, is a unique feature of Word Work, a decoding and spelling program for Kindergarten through 2nd grade. Numerous studies have shown that students are more likely to become competent decoders and spellers if they have an awareness of speech sounds. In this program, the basic consonants are introduced as collections of sounds that are produced or articulated in a similar fashion. This segment of the curriculum is introduced in a relatively brief time, but serves as a vital link between letters and sounds throughout the entire course of study. Note that the consonants are not taught individually, and in fact relatively little time is spent on them in the program. This approach may surprise you, but research shows that students actually learn consonants with little difficulty; the vowels are the challenge, and so the program devotes most time to them.