WI FoRT Prep Week 1

WI FORT Prep Course Overview

Course Title: WI FORT Prep Course

Week: 1


Instructor: Chibird Resource: Study Bunnies (Charts/Graphics)

Week 1 Agenda

Recording Date: Thursday, 2/27/25 at 5:30 pm Recording Link: Must be watched asynchronously by students enrolled in C377-202. This includes all essential information provided during the session, including visual aids and explanations. Assignment Deadline: March 6th at 5:30 pm Recording Expiration: Links expire after 180 days, so be sure to access and review the materials promptly.

Homework Assignments

  • Practice Test Questions:

    • Objective 1: Questions #5-13 covering foundational reading skills and language comprehension.

    • Objective 2: Questions #18-24 addressing key concepts in phonics and word analysis.

    • Objective 3: Questions #29-34 focusing on fluency and comprehension strategies.

    • Objective 4: Questions #39-45 targeting vocabulary knowledge and language structures.

  • Reflection: Write a ½ page reflection on your learning experience and submit on Canvas by March 6th. Reflect on challenges and insights gained from practice tests and discussions.

  • Practice Test Link: [Objective Practice Link] (ensure accessibility for all students).

Class Structure for the Day

  • Introductory Session: Attendance and an overview of course expectations and objectives are provided.

  • Review Content: A thorough review of materials and concepts for the exam, emphasizing students' understanding. Handouts and visual aids will be referenced.

  • Test Preparation Tips: Focused approaches for answering FoRT 190 multiple-choice questions will be discussed, including strategies for time management and question analysis.

  • Practice Work: Engaging practice based on course objectives, utilizing interactive materials and group activities.

  • Slides: Downloadable for further study to ensure all students have access to presentation materials.

Objectives Overview

Foundational Reading Skills: Key emphasis (35% of course content) to develop effective reading strategies.


  • Language Comprehension SkillsComponents:

  • Background Knowledge

  • Vocabulary Knowledge

  • Language Structures

  • Verbal Reasoning

  • Literacy Knowledge

  • Word Recognition

  • Phonological Awareness

  • Decoding (and Spelling)

  • Sight Recognition

Phonological & Phonemic Awareness

Phonological Awareness: Involves manipulation of sounds in oral language, including parts of words. Skills include identifying rhymes, clapping syllables, segmenting sounds, etc.

Phonemic Awareness: Refers to the ability to recognize and manipulate individual phonemes in words, a critical skill for reading development.

Phonics: Understanding the correlation between sounds and spelled words, essential for developing reading fluency.

Phonological Awareness Tasks

Continuum of Skills:

  • Rhyme Identification

  • Alliteration Recognition

  • Sentence & Syllable Segmentation

  • Onset and Rime Blending

  • Phoneme Manipulation

Alphabetic Principle:

  • Definition: Understanding the relationship between letters and sounds to aid in developing literacy skills.

  • Teaching Techniques: Include explicit teaching of letter-sound relationships, use of decodable texts, and daily practice integrated into lessons.

Phonetic Spelling Instruction

Encourages using phonetic rules for spelling as students learn to read and write. Essential components include teaching sound-letter correspondence systematically to foster literacy.

Phases of Reading and Spelling Development

  1. Phase 1: Pre-Alphabetic Spelling (Early Kindergarten)

  2. Phase 2: Partial Alphabetic Spelling (End of Kindergarten)

  3. Phase 3: Full Alphabetic Spelling (Middle of First Grade)

  4. Phase 4: Consolidated Spelling (End of First Grade)

  • Conventional Spelling: Expected through elementary and high school, focusing on correct spelling for grade-level expectations.

Phonics Overview

Skills Required for Proficient Reading:

  • Decoding

  • Encoding

  • Fluency

  • Comprehension

  • Importance of systematic phonics instruction emphasized throughout the course.

Word Analysis Skills

Skills help decompose words into morphemes for better decoding and fluency.

  • Etymology: Understanding word origins supports vocabulary development and enhances language acquisition.

Morphology Insights

Definition: Study of word parts, crucial for expanding vocabulary and understanding complex words.

  • Morphemes: Basic units of meaning; examples include prefixes and suffixes that alter a word's meaning.

    • Types: Compound words, root words, prefixes, and suffixes are explored in depth.

Syllable Types in English

  • Closed Syllables: End in consonant; usually short vowel sounds.

  • Open Syllables: End in a vowel; generally long vowel sounds.

  • R-Controlled Syllables: Vowel followed by 'r' alters the vowel sound.

  • Vowel Team Syllables: Two vowels together produce one sound.

Fluency and Reading Comprehension

Definition of Fluency: Reading with speed, accuracy, and expression, important for overall comprehension of text.

  • Importance: Crucial for understanding text; fluency serves as a bridge between decoding and comprehension.

  • Reading Levels: Assessment of reading accuracy and fluency to tailor instruction to student needs.

Tips for Answering High-Stakes Test Questions

  • Focus on the grade level, student type, and specific objectives of the lessons. Engage in practice test questions regularly to assess understanding and readiness.

Homework Reminder

  • Follow-up on practice test questions focusing on Objectives 1-4, including a written reflection due shortly after the completion of practice materials.