This group will have another phonics lesson, while the rest of the class settles down at their desks to write in their journals. Newton takes her seat in front of the half-circle and begins by asking several simple questions aimed at reinforcing basic number awareness.
Newton sets a timer.
Remember, you get 20 bonus points if you beat the timer and say all the sounds right the first time. Let's count to 20 by fives. The children respond quickly. Next, Newton props open a large, spiral-bound book with pages of letters, letter combinations and simple words that are large enough for the children to read from their seats. The children first respond in unison and then individually, in turns.