This post focuses on using elkonin boxes with multisyllabic words. Elkonin Boxes are common tools for multi-sensory phonics instruction, and they are valuable for connecting phonemic awareness to phonics skills.
This means teaching students to identify and manipulate individual sounds in words (phonemic awareness) and then linking those sounds to their corresponding letters or letter combinations (phonics skills). When you do this with intention, you essentially bridge the gap between sounds and print.
❓How does this help? It allows students to decode and spell words effectively!
❓How can you easily, but effectively, connect phonemic awareness and phonics in the classroom? Use elkonin boxes, and yes, it's even possible for multisyllabic words!
A previous curriculum at my school provided the work mats pictured below. I absolutely loved using them for instruction and practice with multisyllabic words. If you don't have materials like this on hand, no worries - you could apply the same concept using foam squares on white boards by drawing your own boxes. Or you could hang around until the end of this post. ;)
Either way, the process is the important part.
Notice that these work mats feature elkonin boxes that are stacked, and they vary in length with two, three, and four boxes. These are perfect for multisyllabic words!
Note: As long as the sounds in my syllables match the boxes available, you are good to go! In the end, the visual representation of the sounds within each syllable and the syllables within the word is pretty powerful!
Here's the instructional sequence:
(1) Dictate a word.
(2) Students repeat the word, and pound (or clap) the syllables first.
(3) Focusing on one syllable at a time: students touch and say each individual sound within the syllable before adding letters to spell each sound.
Note: Don't rush through this part; make sure students are intentional and confident in the sounds they pronounce/hear within the word.
Optional: After spelling the word, students can return to the syllables, touching and pronouncing the sounds as they blend to read the word.
(4) Have students rewrite the word on a separate word strip.
(5) We reverse the process by dividing the words into syllables using the appropriate syllable division pattern (VC/CV here) and identifying each syllable type with its corresponding vowel sound.
❓Why is this step important? By finishing the process this way, I am reinforcing the recursive nature of reading and writing for my students. They immediately see the way spelling is linked to reading. Not only this, but the word cards are student-made study materials that they can take home to review throughout the week!
I keep my own work mat in the middle of the table, where I can model each step for my students. I also keep drill cards that focus on our current skill in my students' view for their reference during the lesson. .
One more note: I know it looks like a tedious process that would take a while, but my students are well-trained to do this, so there is very little time wasted with transitions or preparation. It actually moves very quickly because our method follows such a well-established routine.
My phonics instruction should be systematic and structured. I want them to consistently use this process so that their brain develops this procedural pattern for reading and spelling.
As for my students, it's actually quite empowering for them to know what to expect in the routine when they sit down at my table, though the particular skill changes from week to week. Even my struggling students bring a sense of confidence to our group, because they already know what to do while they are there.
❓NEED MATERIALS TO USE WITH THIS PROCESS? I've got you covered! Keep reading...
Check out my product, "Elkonin Boxes: Connect Phonemic Awareness and Phonics Skills!" It includes work mats for one-syllable words with three, four, and five phonemes (sounds), as well as an instructional guide, sample word lists, and picture cards.
HERE'S THE BIG NEWS: After a complete revision, this product now includes work mats and practice pages for two-syllable words as well! These materials perfectly align with the instructional sequence described in this post. All materials are ready-to-use; simply print what you need and go!
I hope this post has been helpful for you! Please feel free to contact me if I have left any gaps in this explanation, or if you would just like to know more about a particular part.