LETRS Unit 4 Overview (Sessions 1–8 Guide)
LETRS Unit 4 builds on the decoding concepts from Unit 3 and focuses on advanced phonics, syllable types, spelling patterns, and morphology. This unit explains how the English writing system represents speech at multiple levels—sound, syllable, and meaningful word parts—and shows teachers how to deliver explicit instruction that strengthens reading accuracy and fluency. Unit 4 also prepares educators to support students who struggle with multisyllabic words and more complex spelling patterns.
Below is the complete overview of what Unit 4 covers, along with a breakdown of all eight sessions.
What LETRS Unit 4 Covers
Unit 4 helps teachers deepen their knowledge of English orthography and provides instructional practices for reading and spelling multisyllabic words. Key concepts include:
- English syllable types and how they support decoding
- Morphology: prefixes, suffixes, roots, and meaningful word parts
- How syllable division patterns help students read long words
- Teaching spelling generalizations and patterns
- Understanding schwa and vowel changes in multisyllabic words
- Instructional routines for advanced phonics
- How spelling, reading, and vocabulary work together
- Assessing decoding and spelling across grade levels
These concepts help educators support both early readers and upper-grade students who struggle with multisyllabic decoding or complex word structures.
LETRS Unit 4 Sessions (1–8)
Below are the session summaries.
Session 1: Understanding Syllable Types
Covers the six types of English syllables and how they guide decoding and spelling instruction.
Session 2: Teaching Syllable Division
Explains how to help students break longer words into readable parts using evidence-based routines.
Session 3: Spelling Patterns and Generalizations
Focuses on spelling rules, vowel patterns, and ways to support accurate word writing.
Session 4: Morphology and Word Structure
Introduces roots, prefixes, suffixes, and the role of morphological awareness in reading.
Session 5: Reading Multisyllabic Words
Provides instructional routines for teaching students how to decode complex words efficiently.
Session 6: Advanced Phonics and Fluency Connections
Explores how syllable and morphological knowledge support fluency and comprehension.
Session 7: Common Errors in Multisyllabic Decoding
Helps educators analyze typical student mistakes and adjust instruction.
Session 8: Unit 4 Review and Application
Summarizes all Unit 4 concepts and offers guidance for transferring skills into classroom instruction.
Who Should Study LETRS Unit 4
Unit 4 is especially beneficial for:
- Grades 2–6 teachers
- Special education teachers
- Reading interventionists
- Literacy coaches
- Educators supporting struggling readers or students with decoding gaps
Its emphasis on advanced phonics and word structure applies across grade levels.
Frequently Asked Questions About LETRS Unit 4
What is the main focus of LETRS Unit 4?
Unit 4 focuses on syllable types, morphology, spelling patterns, and multisyllabic decoding.
How many sessions does Unit 4 include?
There are eight sessions, each addressing a key component of advanced phonics and word analysis.
Is Unit 4 more advanced than Unit 3?
Yes. Unit 4 builds on foundational phonics concepts and adds more complex structures like syllable division and morphology.
How long does it take to complete Unit 4?
Most educators complete Unit 4 in 1–3 weeks, depending on district scheduling and pacing.
Who benefits most from Unit 4?
Teachers in Grades 2–6, interventionists, and those working with older struggling readers will find Unit 4 especially useful.
