Instructions for using the Spalding Phonogram Cards
Phonograms:
“A phonogram is a single letter, or a fixed combination of two, three, or four letters, that is the symbol for one sound in a given word. Wnglish has seventy common phonograms (twenty-six letters and forty-four fixed combinations of two, three, and four letters) that represent the forty-five basic sounds used in speaking. The fixed combinations absorb most of the silent letters (e.g., igh says/i/).
“Forty-seven phonograms have only one sound, making them easy to learn. Eleven phonograms have two sounds, ten have three sounds, one has four sounds, and one has six sounds. Phonograms are identified by their sound or sounds, whenever practical, and not by their letter names.”
Spalding, R. A. (2003). The Writing road to reading. New York, NY: HarperCollins Publishers Inc..
To make a set of cards:
Using 3x5 index cards, write the phonograms clearly on the front of each card (one per card). This is the letter(s) in the first column of the Information Packet labeled Phonograms. Next cut out or write the corresponding phonetic sound and identifying word. This is found in the second column of the Information Packet labeled Sounds/Sample Words. If you write them out, be sure to include any markings on the sounds and words. The last two columns may be written on the back of the cards if you’d like.
To do an oral review:
Choose a set of cards to work on with your child (about 30 in one session). Show your child the front of the first card with the phonogram facing them. Have them tell you all the sounds that phonogram makes. Each phonogram has between one and six sounds. Use the phonetic sound(s) and identifying word(s) to determine the correct pronunciation. The instructional tips column of the Information Packet gives tips on correctly saying some of the sounds. Continue with each card in the set you have chosen.
After going through the cards one time, repeat the procedure and ask your child questions about the phonograms (not necessarily every one). Questions could include rules that apply to that sound, cues that help them identify that sound when doing written dictation, where that phonogram may be found in a word, or how that letter is formed. The first time through the cards helps them work on identifying each phonogram fluently, the second time helps them think about the sounds.
***Note: Be sure not to add a sound to the beginning or end of sounds. For example, the sound for /l/ is not el, the sound /k/ is not kuh, and the sound /b/ is not buh. It makes blending words more difficult when these extra sounds are learned.
To do a written review:
Choose about 20 of the cards you have practiced orally for the written review. You may choose them randomly, or select the ones they need the most practice with. Tell your child all the sounds phonogram makes. Have them repeat the sounds aloud and then write the phonogram on their review paper. They should say the sounds again as they write the phonogram. Continue with each card in the set you have chosen. If sounds are new, show them the card when they have finished writing each phonogram. If they are familiar with them, correct them at the end of the review.