Unlock Phonics: Supporting Foundational Reading Skills in Grades 3-5

According to a 2022 NAEP Study, only one in three American 4th graders currently read at or above a proficient level.

Why is this happening? Historically, foundational reading programs were solely developed for primary grades; however, as literacy gaps increased post-COVID, there was a clear need for intermediate grades to have supports as well. In the rush to develop such materials, publishers often repurposed content that lacked age-appropriateness, which in turn impacted student confidence. Often, students can be exposed to more complex reading comprehension tests before they have mastered phonics.

This is why students in upper grades may have adequate (or above) verbal processing, listening, and conversation skills, but still struggle to make meaningful connections with written texts.

Looking through the lens of the Science of Reading and Scarborough’s rope, as students progress from the K-2 to 3-5 bands of instruction, the emphasis on specific phonics decreases and becomes more general. It’s here that students can be left behind. If learners have not yet mastered word recognition, they will have difficulty applying analysis skills as ideas become more complex.

EL Education’s Unlock Phonics Grade 3-5

Thankfully there is a solution. Available digitally within Kiddom, EL Education’s Unlock Phonics Grades 3-5 is built specifically to address the reality of students in upper elementary grades who need additional phonemic awareness and support.

What many other programs miss is the ability to address students with mild or moderate phonics gaps through age-appropriate explicit phonics instruction. Unlock Phonics was developed specifically for intermediate grades, focusing on delivery of the Word Recognition portion of Scarborough’s rope in a way that respects and resonates with older students.

Students have opportunities for repeated practice of phonemic awareness skills, decoding, and spelling. These skills help students orthographically map consolidated chunks of words, leading to a far larger bank of words they recognize on sight.

With Unlock Phonics 3-5 in Kiddom, students receive targeted instruction in the specific skills they need. The curriculum leverages independent work time, allowing students greater agency to complete lessons at their own pace.

The largely asynchronous curriculum includes weekly student-teacher conferences to maintain connection and allow teachers to address student needs. Supports within the program provide instructional guidance so that teachers can help students become proficient readers without years of training, experience, or the need to provide direct instruction. This means even the newest teachers can positively impact reading abilities and set students up for future success.

Unlock Phonics curriculum also includes features that other reading options for Grades 3-5 don’t. It’s fully grounded in the Science of Reading and informed by Dr. Linnea Ehri’s Phases Theory, to offer a scientifically validated approach to literacy education. It also offers culturally responsive texts and teaching materials, ensuring relevance for all learners. Further, the content includes benchmark assessments and ongoing progress monitoring that enable teachers to track student growth and assign instruction to meet individual needs. Of course, professional learning is also available.

Unlock Phonics + Kiddom

With Kiddom, Unlock Phonics 3-5 gets even more features to empower both teachers and learners. Educators can support student conferences by prompting students to practice recording themselves reading aloud. This practice helps students build confidence and ownership by listening and self-identifying areas for improvement.

Kiddom also indexes an inventory of ready-to-print Sound Trackers, so teachers can easily access the materials they need for their unique student populations. Once completed on paper, students are prompted to take a photo of their Sound Trackers and upload it to Kiddom to keep everything in one place throughout and help monitor growth.

Ensuring that all students become proficient readers by the end of elementary school is more critical than ever. With EL Education’s Unlock Phonics for Grades 3-5, now available digitally within Kiddom, teachers have a powerful tool to address the unique needs of older students who still struggle with foundational reading skills.

By focusing on word recognition and providing targeted, student-centered instruction, Unlock Phonics bridges the gap that often leaves students behind. With its evidence-based approach, cultural relevance, and ease of use, this curriculum not only empowers students to take charge of their learning but also equips even the newest teachers to make a lasting impact on their students’ literacy journey. As educators strive to help every child succeed, Unlock Phonics stands out as a comprehensive and accessible solution, ensuring that no student is left without the critical skills they need.