Phase I

The world of written language is just beginning to open up for Phase I learners.

Phase I learners represent a variety of age groups, family situations, countries and cultures of origin, languages, interests and skills.

Learners ready for Phase I:

• Have developed an awareness of English text and can read a small number of sight words.
• Recognize that letters represent sounds and can say the sound for most letters.
• Recognize the front and back of a book and understand that text moves from top to bottom and left to right
• Can write legibly on a line, though writing may still be large.
• Can count to 20 and are able to solve simple addition or subtraction problems.
• Have a diverse set of listening and speaking skills - from CLB 1 to 5.

Over the course of Phase I, learners:

• Build their sight word vocabulary and begin to acquire some decoding skills.
• Can copy more accurately and are better able to spell and label appropriately.
• Tackle reading sentences that are short, familiar, and follow a predictable format.
• Are more familiar with the classroom environment and have developed some strategies to support their learning.

Phase I learners are beginning to see new possibilities for themselves with language development. Phase I learners are highly supported, both instructionally and with any other barriers they have to learning.

In this section, learn more about Phase I learners and the appropriate outcomes, approaches, materials and classroom routines for this level. Learn about planning effective theme units and lessons.