Phonics and phonemic awareness play a crucial role in our end goal of reading comprehension, and it is so important that our students are learning these foundational skills, regardless of their grade. But how can you fit phonemic awareness lessons into your already packed schedule?Kristina Harrill of Sweet for Kindergarten is joining us today to share all about the importance of phonics and phonemic awareness instruction. By focusing on explicitly teaching these foundational skills, identifying any gaps in these skills, and ensuring your students get the phonemic awareness and phonics practice they need, you can help your students become successful readers.In this episode, Kristina is diving into phonemic awareness and phonics instruction. She shares the difference between phonics and phonemic awareness, the difference between balanced literacy and structured literacy, and why teachers should be focused on teaching phonics and phonemic awareness. Plus, she is sharing how to easily implement phonemic awareness practice into your busy day!Episode Highlights:03:31 - What the difference is between phonemic awareness and phonics06:15 - Why phonics and phonemic awareness are such hot topics right now09:49 -  How lacking these foundational skills impact the end goal of reading comprehension12:23 - Why all grades, including upper elementary, should be teaching phonics and phonemic awareness and addressing any gaps in these skills16:58 - How teachers can support struggling readers and how a daily routine can be incredibly beneficial Links & Resources:Download a Free Week of Phonemic Awareness Lessons hereEpisode 6: Deciphering the 5 Pillars: An In-Depth Look at the Components of LiteracyFree Close Reading GuidebookThe Literacy Lounge Facebook groupLeave your rating and review on Apple Podcasts!Show Notes: https://cieraharristeaching.com/episode7