Teacher samples entire group for proficiency. For example, John has 3 sounds, but 4 letters. For children who need extra help, exaggerate the chopping hand motions as the word is segmented. Have the child do the same as the word is segmented, one chop per sound. This will help visual and kinesthetic learners see and feel the sounds.
Students can make their own ninjas out of paper bags with the bottom collapsed to form a mouth.
Next Steps Continue to count sounds in all kinds of words throughout the year. This will draw attention to the relationship between letters and sounds.