LETRS Unit 2 Overview (Sessions 1–8 Guide)
LETRS Unit 2 focuses on phonological awareness, phonemes, and the essential early literacy skills that support accurate decoding. This unit helps teachers understand how spoken language is structured, how children develop phonological processing skills, and which instructional practices lead to measurable gains in reading outcomes. Unit 2 builds directly on the foundational research introduced in Unit 1 and prepares educators to teach the building blocks of early reading with clarity and confidence.
Below is a complete breakdown of Unit 2 topics, along with direct links to all eight session guides and Check for Understanding answer explanations.
What LETRS Unit 2 Covers
Unit 2 explains the structure of spoken language and the critical role phonological awareness plays in reading development. Key concepts include:
- Understanding phonemes, syllables, onset-rime, and phonological structures
- How phoneme awareness contributes to orthographic mapping
- The difference between phonological awareness and phonemic awareness
- Evidence-based practices for teaching PA skills
- How PA instruction connects to decoding and spelling
- Common challenges students face with phonological processing
- Assessment and instructional decision-making for early reading skills
These concepts serve as the foundation for Units 3 and 4, where decoding and phonics are taught in depth.
LETRS Unit 2 Sessions (1–8)
Below are the eight sessions in Unit 2.
Session 1: The Role of Phonological Awareness
Link: https://ihatecbts.net/letrs-unit-2-session-1/
This session introduces phonological awareness and its importance in early literacy instruction.
Session 2: Levels of Phonological Awareness
Link: https://ihatecbts.net/letrs-unit-2-session-2/
Covers the hierarchy of phonological awareness skills and instructional practices.
Session 3: Phonemic Awareness and Reading Development
Link: https://ihatecbts.net/letrs-unit-2-session-3/
Explains how phonemic awareness supports reading accuracy and automaticity.
Session 4: Effective Phonological Awareness Instruction
Link: https://ihatecbts.net/letrs-unit-2-session-4/
Focuses on evidence-based strategies for teaching PA in classroom settings.
Session 5: Connecting Phonological Awareness to Phonics
Link: https://ihatecbts.net/letrs-unit-2-session-5/
Shows how PA instruction transitions into decoding and orthographic mapping.
Session 6: Common PA Difficulties in Students
Link: https://ihatecbts.net/letrs-unit-2-session-6/
Discusses typical student challenges and how to identify them.
Session 7: Assessing Phonological Awareness Skills
Link: https://ihatecbts.net/letrs-unit-2-session-7/
Covers screening tools, progress monitoring, and instructional adjustments.
Session 8: Unit 2 Review and Reflection
Link: https://ihatecbts.net/letrs-unit-2-session-8/
Reviews all major concepts from Unit 2 and helps teachers apply them to instruction.
Who Should Study LETRS Unit 2
Unit 2 is especially relevant for:
- Kindergarten through Grade 2 teachers
- Special education and intervention teachers
- Reading specialists and literacy coaches
- Educators working with emerging readers
- Anyone responsible for early foundational skill instruction
Frequently Asked Questions About LETRS Unit 2
What is the main focus of LETRS Unit 2?
Unit 2 focuses on phonological awareness, phonemic awareness, and how these skills support accurate decoding and fluent reading.
How many sessions are included in Unit 2?
There are eight sessions, each building on the previous one to deepen understanding of early literacy development.
Does Unit 2 include Check for Understanding questions?
Yes. Each session includes Check for Understanding items that assess comprehension of the instructional content.
How does Unit 2 connect to later LETRS units?
Unit 2 lays the groundwork for phonics and spelling instruction covered in Units 3 and 4.
Next Step: Explore Unit 2 Sessions
LETRS Unit 2 Session 1
LETRS Unit 2 Session 2
LETRS Unit 2 Session 3
LETRS Unit 2 Session 4
LETRS Unit 2 Session 5
LETRS Unit 2 Session 6
LETRS Unit 2 Session 7
LETRS Unit 2 Session 8
