But I can see how it helps. New research shows how important it is for children to understand that words are made up of individual sounds. Rhyming helps drive this point home. Without this basic building block in place, many students will flounder. After a seamless transition from their independent reading lesson, Fowler's students sit on the floor in three rows, small white marker boards in one hand, magic markers in the other.
Fowler is in front of the room.
The little heads turn down. And several hands shoot up in the air. The children have seen these words several times today and are doing well. Fowler smiles as she quickly glances at the students' boards. Again the heads turn down.