Understanding Microphases in EL Education’s Skills Block - A Teacher's Guide

In EL Education Reading Foundational Skills Block 2024 Edition, it is critical to understand the microphases of reading and spelling development, as well as how they apply to instruction. 

What are the microphases of reading and spelling development?

Microphases are derived from Dr. Linnea Ehri’s phases of reading and spelling development. Each microphase represents a smaller stage within each of Dr. Ehri’s phases, hence the term microphase. 

Dr. Ehri identifies four overarching phases of reading and spelling development. See the table below: 

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In general, students tend to complete these phases around the following times:

• Pre-Alphabetic - Pre-Kindergarten/Kindergarten

• Partial Alphabetic - Kindergarten/1st Grade

• Full Alphabetic - 1st Grade

• Consolidated Alphabetic - 2nd Grade

However, these are approximations and certainly do not encompass all students’ progression of reading and spelling development. While we can and should teach students in the whole group according to expected developmental levels, it is imperative that we meet students where they are. In all classrooms, differentiation is necessary, as students may need additional support and foundational work or students might be ready for more advanced concepts. 

EL Education has broken down Dr. Ehri’s phases into smaller microphases, with three microphases for each larger phase. The microphases encompass the early, middle, and late stages of each phase:

Pre-Alphabetic Phase

• Early Pre-Alphabetic Microphase

• Middle Pre-Alphabetic Microphase

• Late Pre-Alphabetic Microphase

Partial Alphabetic Phase

• Early Partial Alphabetic Microphase

• Middle Partial Alphabetic Microphase

• Late Partial Alphabetic Microphase

Full Alphabetic Phase

• Early Full Alphabetic Microphase

• Middle Full Alphabetic Microphase

• Late Full Alphabetic Microphase

Consolidated Alphabetic Phase

• Early Consolidated Alphabetic Microphase

• Middle Consolidated Alphabetic Microphase

• Late Consolidated Alphabetic Microphase

How are reading microphases utilized in EL Education's Skills Block?

Now that we’ve addressed phases and microphases of reading and spelling development, let’s examine how these microphases are utilized in Skills Block.

Skills Block has two main parts:

• Whole Group Mini-Lesson: This is where you teach a concept to the whole class. Whole Group lessons address the "average" microphase for your students' grade level. For instance, at the start of first grade, instruction would start in the Late Partial Alphabetic Microphase, since that is developmentally appropriate for the beginning of first grade.

• Differentiated Small Group Instruction: This is where the magic happens! You'll divide your students into smaller groups based on their specific microphases. Going back to the example of a first grade classroom at the beginning of the year, many students might be in the “average” range, working in the late partial alphabetic microphase. However, some students might still be in the pre-alphabetic phase, or the early/middle partial alphabetic phase. Simultaneously, students working above grade level (beyond the late partial alphabetic microphase) can get enrichment work at their individual levels. In summary:
  
  • Students who are struggling get the intensive support they need to catch up and build foundational skills.
  • Students who are ahead can work on enriching their skills, keeping them challenged and engaged.

This two-pronged approach ensures that every student gets the instruction they need, right when they need it. No more one-size-fits-all lessons! By tailoring your instruction to each student's microphase, you're setting them up for success.

_{How do I determine a student’s microphase?}

The EL Education Reading Foundational Skills Block includes benchmark assessments, administered at the beginning, middle, and end of the year to closely monitor student progress. These assessments are aligned to the phases and microphases to help you create groups based on your students’ needs. Prior to starting instruction, you will administer the beginning of the year benchmark assessments to determine students’ levels. Students will also have their progress monitored weekly in small groups to determine if they need more or less support. Skills Block is designed to be flexible and supportive of your students!

In Conclusion

Understanding the microphases of reading and spelling development is crucial for effective instruction. By breaking down Dr. Ehri's phases into smaller microphases, educators can tailor instruction to meet the individual needs of all students. The EL Education Reading Foundational Skills Block incorporates these microphases into a two-part Skills Block model, ensuring that students receive targeted instruction through whole group mini-lessons and differentiated small group instruction. This approach, supported by benchmark assessments, allows educators to monitor student progress and adjust instruction accordingly, ultimately setting all students up for success.

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