Two years ago I was noticing a pattern when I was working with first grade students. I had groups of first graders who were very accurate with their short vowel sounds on the nonsense word fluency assessment of the DIBELS. At times, these kiddos would quickly make motions while reading the CVC words. The motions served as a cue to the correct pronunciation of the vowel sound. I then did “sort of” an informal field study. I determined which teachers were using hand signals to teach vowels and which ones were not. I then compared student data and confirmed what I thought to be true. When teachers use hand signals when teaching short vowel sounds, students are much more accurate when reading words. It all makes sense. I am a true believer in using multi-sensory teaching and using movement is a multi-sensory strategy.
My very good friend, Jen, in her role as a Reading Specialist, was one of the team members who helped to start our RtI initiative in our schools. Jen is now a middle school principal (what a job that is!) and I miss her terribly in the elementaries. After noticing the trend in the data in regards to the hand signals, I asked Jen if she could again put on her old Reading Specialist hat and help me create a video for using hand signals for the short vowels.
Several of our kindergarten teachers use hand signals and movement for all letters and sounds of the alphabet. I’ve noticed the same trend not only with the vowels, but will all the letters. So if you haven’t tried using hand signals, give it a try and see if you notice a difference.
I would hate to re-invent the wheel, and waste lots of time; Could you let us know what sort of hand signals that These lovely Kindergarten teachers use for all letters and sound of alphabet? My youngest is starting to learn her sounds, and I don’t want to make a mess of it ( like what my elder child who cannot remember the sounds but only recalls the name)
Sure- I will make a video and post it shortly. Our school starts after Labor Day and I will try to have a teacher make the video the week after that. Keep checking back–thinking about the second week of September. Thanks. Julie
Always like cool stuff!
I am a reading specialist in upstate NY. A few years ago we were trained in Tucker Sign. It is a program that uses hand signals to teach letter sounds. It covers consonants, vowels, digraphs and even r controlled vowels.
That’s sounds awesome. I’m going to google that. I really do think the hand signals help. Thanks for sharing.