In our classroom, we use Benchmark Phonics to strengthen your child’s reading and spelling skills. This program is specially designed to help students build a strong foundation in how words work—something that’s essential for becoming confident, fluent readers and writers.

What Is Benchmark Phonics?

Benchmark Phonics is a structured, research-based program that teaches students the patterns and rules of the English language. It helps students "crack the code" of reading by focusing on how letters and sounds come together to form words. In fourth grade, we use it to build on what your child already knows and to introduce more advanced spelling and word structure skills.

What We Focus On in 4th Grade:

• Multisyllabic words: Learning how to break big words into syllables and decode them.
  
  

• Prefixes and suffixes: Understanding how word parts change meaning (like "un-" in unhappy or "-ful" in helpful).
  
  

• Root words: Recognizing the base part of a word to figure out new ones.
  
  

• Spelling patterns: Learning how to spell words correctly by understanding sound-letter rules.
  
  

• Fluency and accuracy: Reading words smoothly and correctly by applying phonics knowledge.
  
  

How the Program Works:

• Daily lessons include teacher modeling, guided practice, and independent work.
  
  

• Word lists and decodable passages help students apply what they learn in real reading.
  
  

• Ongoing review and practice ensure students retain and use their skills in all subject areas.
  
  

• Assessments help us see what your child has mastered and what they may need more help with.
  
  

Why It Matters:

A strong understanding of phonics helps students read with confidence, understand what they read, and become better writers. Even in fourth grade, phonics is an important part of literacy success!

If you ever have questions about what we’re learning in phonics or how to support your child at home, feel free to reach out! We're building strong readers—together!