Before Beginning Reading Instruction

Some sight word and letter recognition are necessary before readers choose from Level 1 books.  A general understanding is that the learner should be able to quickly recognize at least 15 sight words and at least 15 letter sounds.  Mentors must understand that learners may be confused by b/d and have difficulty hearing and remembering the short vowel sounds.  Beginning with a is usually most helpful.  Continue to add short vowel sounds as they appear in more words.  Letter name awareness is not necessary at first, anlthough eventually, both letter names and sounds need to become common knowledge for the learner.