English Orthography
English spelling is NOT random. It is structured by three linguistic layers. Name one.
Phonology, Orthography, or Morphology.
What does “speech to print” emphasize in reading instruction?
Starting with sounds (phonemes) and connecting them to print.
Emergent literacy begins before formal schooling. True or False?
True
A child writes “frend” for “friend.” What does this tell you?
They understand phoneme-grapheme mapping but haven’t mastered irregular patterns.
T/F: "Speech to Print" Chapter 4 and "Teaching Reading in the 21st Century" Chapter 7 both emphasize foundational language skills as essential for later reading success.
True!
Why don't English words usually end in the letter “v”?
Because English words typically add silent e (like give) due to orthographic constraints.
Moats says orthography represents not only sound but also ______.
Meaning (morphology).
Name one key component of emergent literacy.
Oral language, print awareness, phonological awareness, vocabulary, alphabet knowledge.
A child can name letters but cannot connect them to their sounds. Which principle describes what they may need strengthening in?
Alphabetic Principle
Why is systematic instruction important even in early grades?
Because literacy builds cumulatively and small gaps grow over time.
The three layers of English orthography are alphabet, pattern, and _______
Meaning
What does Moats argue is the biggest misconception about English spelling?
That English is chaotic or illogical — when it is actually systematic and rule-governed.
True or False? Play and conversation are important in emergent literacy development because they build oral language, vocabulary, and background knowledge.
True
Which word does NOT rhyme?
A. tough
B. cuff
C. rough
D. though
D. though
Finish this idea: Reading development is not natural like speaking; it requires ______.
Explicit instruction.
What’s a pirate’s favorite phonics sound?
/arr/
Why is phoneme awareness critical before strong decoding can happen?
Because students must hear and manipulate sounds before mapping them to letters.
Why can't you hear anything when a pterodactyl goes to the bathroom?
Because the "p" is silent
Why is the letter R so bossy?
Because it likes to control the vowels.
Who is the best phonics teacher?
Dr Mauer & Laura!!!!!!!