Differentiation after Phonics

Walpole and McKenna (2009) use this stair-step as a guide and a goal for students learning to read. The bottom two levels, by following systematic and repetitive practice plans, can be achieved by the end of first grade. This could mean that by second grade our readers will fall into one of two categories: 1. Able to fully decode single syllables, but not reading with a level of fluency we would expect for their grade level OR 2. Able to fully decode single syllables and read fluently. This website is designed to meet the needs of these two groups of students and enhances their reading comprehension.

If your student is able to decode single syllable words, but not meeting grade level benchmarks for fluency, than the student should work in a Fluency and Comprehension group. These students will work to build decoding ability of multi-syllabic words, fluency, and comprehension.

If your student is able to decode single syllable words and meets grade level benchmarks for fluency, than the student should work in the Vocabulary and Comprehension group. These students will work to build their vocabulary and develop comprehension skills.