Would you believe when I started teaching, phonics was minimal, and I had very little training in it? One year, my GOAT principal, Mr. Leon Carter, in MSD Warren Township (Grassy Creek Elementary), sent middle grade teachers to a multi-day training in Chicago to observe the Marva Collins School for Excellence. Here, we observed how to teach middle grade students who previously lacked basic reading skills. It was crucial in my practice because as a 5th grade teacher, I lacked skills to assist emergent readers. I was used to proficient readers.  

Would you believe students began the day with in-depth letter sound spelling recitation for every letter in the alphabet applying words to rich vocabulary encountered within their reading?