Phonemic awareness is similar to phonics, but they are not the same skill. Phonics focuses on how sounds look in writing, while phonemic awareness is understanding that each word is made up of a sequence of sounds. Most phonics instruction is written, and most phonemic awareness lessons are oral.  Both phonics and phonemic awareness are essential for reading.

Phonemic awareness is essential to learning to read in an alphabetic writing system, such as English, because letters represent sounds or phonemes.  Without phonemic awareness, phonics (the next step to learning to read) makes little sense to the brain.  Unless there is a sound embedded in the brain that a letter can attach to, the sound and the letter remain disconnected.  If a learner cannot hear the sounds in words, they are likely to have great difficulty connecting sounds with their written symbols or blending sounds to make a word. 

You may also wish to view this video:

https://vimeo.com/880288092/055f5c0303?share=copy

Sound-Mappers is designed for students to be mostly, if not completely independent in using the video program.  It could be used with later 2nd graders with more guidance.  

Phonemic Awareness is a part of most, if not all reading programs at the early levels.  However, continued instruction in the more complex levels of that skill may not have continued through 2nd and even 3rd grade.  For some students, the instruction they received was enough for them to take off while for others, they simply did not get enough time and experience with this very early and essential skill. 

With the knowledge that the "Science of Reading" has brought to light, most reading curriculums are now aware of how important this skill is and have made adjustments to assure student proficiency.  

Click this link to view a video about phonemic awareness and its importance in reading.

https://vimeo.com/880288092/055f5c0303?share=copy

Click this link to the "Getting Started" page:

https://www.mrsbeezreadingacademy.org/past-resources

By administering a short survey called the PAST (Phonological Awareness Screening Test), you will get a clear picture as to a student's phonemic proficiency.  This survey takes about 7 minutes.  I have provided a short training video as well as a link to download the PAST assessment.  Please click this link to access both of these resources:  

https://www.mrsbeezreadingacademy.org/past-resources

The video lessons are the same in both courses and can be used with individual students, as well as with small groups for classroom review and reinforcement of phonemic awareness skills. When purchasing the Teacher/Parent package, you have access to all videos and "Jeopardee" Games, as well as getting free access for 2 students in the Student Course.  

Please click this link:

https://fivefromfive.com.au/phonemic-awareness/how-to-assess-phonemic-awareness/

It is never too late to acquire phonemic awareness or other reading skills.