Lesson Plans and Activity Sheets for Target Practice Readers

One of the most valuable features of Target Practice Readers (TPRs) is the accompanying lesson plans and activity sheets that make teaching phonics easier and more structured. These resources provide step-by-step guidance on how to use TPRs in your lessons and offer engaging activities that reinforce the phonics skills students are learning. In this post, we’ll take a closer look at the lesson plans and activity sheets that come with TPRs and how you can use them effectively in your classroom.

The Structure of TPR Lesson Plans

1. Before Reading: Each TPR lesson plan includes a "Before Reading" section that helps set the stage for the reading session. This part of the lesson focuses on preparing students by:
   
   • Introducing the book and its theme.
   • Reviewing key phonics sounds that will be featured in the story.
   • Practicing common exception words that may appear in the text.
   • Going over reading strategies, such as pointing to each word or sounding out unfamiliar words.
2. During Reading: In the "During Reading" section, the focus is on helping students apply their phonics knowledge as they read. Teachers are encouraged to:
   
   • Model reading behaviours by reading aloud or guiding students as they read to a partner.
   • Pause to ask questions that check comprehension and ensure students are decoding the words correctly.
   • Encourage students to re-read sentences for fluency, reinforcing blending and sound recognition.
3. After Reading: The "After Reading" section provides an opportunity for reflection and further discussion. Teachers can:
   
   • Ask students to retell the story or predict what might happen next.
   • Discuss challenging words or concepts that appeared in the text.
   • Relate the story to students' own experiences, helping them make personal connections to the text.

Activity Sheets to Reinforce Learning

1. Phonics and Comprehension Practice: Each TPR comes with an activity sheet that is designed to reinforce the phonics skills introduced in the book. These activities help students practice blending, segmenting, and decoding the target letter-sounds from the story. Some activity sheets also include comprehension questions to ensure students understand the text.
   
2. Fine Motor Skills and Creativity: In addition to phonics practice, many TPR activity sheets also include activities that support fine motor development and creativity. Students might be asked to trace letters, draw pictures related to the story, or complete puzzles that challenge their problem-solving skills. These activities make the lesson both educational and fun.
   
3. Flexible Use: The activity sheets can be used immediately after the reading session or saved for later as part of continuous provision or homework assignments. This flexibility allows teachers to incorporate the activities into their schedule in a way that works best for their class.
   

How to Use TPR Lesson Plans and Activity Sheets Effectively

1. Follow the Step-by-Step Guide: The lesson plans are designed to be easy to follow, even for teachers with minimal preparation time. Use the clear, step-by-step format to guide your reading sessions, ensuring that you cover all the key phonics skills.
   
2. Incorporate the Activities into Daily Learning: Make the activity sheets a regular part of your lesson routine. Use them to reinforce phonics skills immediately after reading, or assign them as homework to extend learning beyond the classroom.
   
3. Encourage Student Participation: Get students actively involved in the lesson by encouraging them to ask questions, share their thoughts, and engage with the activity sheets. The more engaged they are, the more likely they are to retain the phonics skills they’re practicing.
   

The lesson plans and activity sheets that come with Target Practice Readers are valuable resources that make teaching phonics structured, effective, and fun. By following the step-by-step lesson plans and incorporating the activity sheets into your routine, you can ensure that students are mastering phonics skills while enjoying the learning process. Use these resources to get the most out of your TPRs and support your students' reading development.