GrapeSEED’s Phonics Approach and the Science of Reading

If you’re in education, you know that there has been endless debate around the subject of phonics:  whether to teach it, how to teach it, and how often to teach it. Fortunately, reading scientists seem to have finally put this debate to rest, and the research findings are clear! Students that receive phonics instruction in the classroom and during a consistent, designated intervention time have a serious advantage over those that do not receive phonics instruction (Chapman, Greaney, & Turner, 2015; National Reading Panel, 2000; Snow, Burns, & Griffin, 1998). With the GrapeSEED curriculum, our approach to phonics instruction is powerful, unique, gets results, and aligns with The Science of Reading’s framework.

What does this all mean for our English Language Learner students? Well, “If students cannot decode printed English, they cannot comprehend it. If students cannot comprehend spoken English, they cannot comprehend written English either” (Moats & Tolman, 2020). So, let’s dig a little deeper. Phonics can be defined as any method of teaching reading by associating letters (called ‘phonograms’) and letter combinations with their sounds (which are called ‘phonemes’). Think about it this way; a phonogram is one unit of sound represented by a single letter or a combination of two, three or four letters in English. A single phonogram may have more than one sound, and a single sound may have more than one phonogram ( say that 3-times, fast )! For example, ‘a’ has four different sounds. Similarly, ‘a’, ‘ay’ and ‘eigh’ are three different phonograms that share the same sound. Phewph!

phonogram card a.pngphonogram word card.pngA picture containing text, screenshot, cartoon, illustration Description automatically generatedWith GrapeSEED’s unique Vertical Phonics approach, children learn single & multi letter phonograms as well as all of their possible sounds at the same time, within the context of vibrant, controlled vocabulary and shared reading poems, and in the order of frequency that they occur in English. You can rest assured that when you’re using the GrapeSEED curriculum, you are providing your students with engaging teacher-led activities and providing explicit and systematic instruction that will actively lead them toward mastering letters and sounds, blending, and decoding in a way that’s developmentally appropriate, immediately useful, and that, again, fits perfectly with The Science of Reading framework. 

With GrapeSEED’s research-based, natural oral language acquisition curriculum, you will be:

  • Providing your students with the explicit phonics instruction they need
  • Building their ‘memory bank’ of English vocabulary, language structure, and comprehension
  • Using the context of fun & catchy songs, stories, chants, action activities, shared reading, and more.

Ready to say goodbye to watching your students struggle to speak, decipher, and make sense of English, and hello to seeing them soar? Contact us today to get started!

Ready, Set, Grow! A New Year with LittleSEED & GrapeSEED

August 17, 2026
The first few weeks of school have always mattered, but this year they may be more important than ever!
#BackToSchool2026 #ClassroomCommunity #StudentBelonging #SEL #DifferentiatedInstruction #StudentEnga

Starting the School Year Strong: Building Community, Confidence, and Connection

August 3, 2026
The first few weeks of school have always mattered, but this year they may be more important than ever!

Crayons, Confidence & Kindergarten: Getting Your Young Students Ready!

May 25, 2026
Kindergarten is a big step in a child’s learning journey. It’s a time of exciting growth, discovery, and new routines. For families and educators of PreK and Young 5s children—including multilingual learners—preparing for this transition can help set the stage for a confident and joyful start to school. What Does “Kindergarten Ready” Mean? Kindergarten readiness is more than knowing letters and numbers. It includes a wide range of skills that help children feel safe, connected, and capable in a classroom environment. These skills include: Social & Emotional Skills : Can your child follow directions, express emotions, take turns, and ask for help? Language & Communication : Are they comfortable speaking and listening, even in their home language? Early Literacy & Math : Can they recognize some letters, numbers, and perhaps write their name? Motor Skills : Can they hold a pencil, use scissors, and manage clothing zippers or buttons? Supporting Multilingual Learners Children who speak more than one language bring unique strengths to the classroom! Here’s how we can support them: Honor Their Home Language : Encourage families to keep speaking and reading in their home language. A strong foundation in one language supports learning in English. Build Vocabulary : Use real-life experiences—grocery shopping, playing at the park, cooking—to teach and repeat new words in both languages. Create a Welcoming Environment : Use visuals, gestures, and routines that help all children understand and participate.  Simple Ways to Prepare at Home Read Daily : Share books in any language. Talk about the pictures and ask questions. Practice Routines : Try morning and bedtime routines similar to what they’ll experience in kindergarten. Talk Often : Describe what you’re doing, ask open-ended questions, and give your child time to respond. Play Together : Board games, pretend play, puzzles, and outdoor play build thinking and social skills. A Partnership Between Home and School Kindergarten readiness is a team effort. When teachers and families work together—especially in support of multilingual learners—children gain the confidence to thrive. Each child develops at their own pace, and readiness is not about perfection, but progress. Let’s celebrate every small step on the path to kindergarten! At GrapeSEED, we’re all about supporting children as they develop and prepare for their own next steps in their education journeys. Learn more about us by clicking here and consider getting started today!

English in Motion: Engaging Multilingual Learners with TPR

May 4, 2026
For teachers of multilingual learners, one of the most powerful tools for teaching English is something you already use every day: your body! Movement and physicality can unlock understanding and make language memorable for learners. One highly effective approach is Total Physical Response (TPR) , a method developed by Dr. James Asher that connects language with physical actions. What is Total Physical Response (TPR)? TPR is a teaching method where teachers give commands in English and students respond with physical actions. For example, when you say, "Stand up" or "Open the book," learners act it out. This approach mirrors how children learn their first language—through listening and doing before speaking. Discover how using movement and physical actions can make English come alive for multilingual learners. This short guide shows you how Total Physical Response (TPR) builds confidence, comprehension, and classroom energy—without needing any extra materials Why Use TPR? Supports comprehension : Physical actions give students visual and kinesthetic clues to understand meaning. Reduces stress : There’s no pressure to speak right away. Learners can participate by simply listening and moving. Builds memory : The body helps the brain remember. Actions anchor vocabulary and structures in long-term memory. Engages learners : Movement keeps energy high and focuses attention, especially with younger students or those new to English. Discover how using movement and physical actions can make English come alive for multilingual learners. This short guide shows you how Total Physical Response (TPR) builds confidence, comprehension, and classroom energy—without needing any extra materials. How to Use TPR in the Classroom Start simple : Begin with everyday commands—sit down, stand up, raise your hand, touch your nose. Demonstrate each one clearly. Repeat and vary : Use repetition but change the order or speed to keep it fun. Add new vocabulary : Introduce verbs, classroom objects, or actions related to topics—run, jump, draw, point to the window. Involve students : Let them give commands once they’re ready. This encourages speaking without pressure. Use it across subjects : Combine TPR with songs, stories, or content lessons like science and math to support language across the curriculum. Movement is not just a break from learning—it is learning. When student teachers use TPR and physicality in English instruction, they make language come alive. Whether you're teaching young learners or newcomers of any age, using your body to teach builds confidence, comprehension, and connection. So next time you plan a lesson, don’t just say it— show it, move it, and live it . GrapeSEED’s Daily Lesson Plans each include movement called “Action Activities”. Learn more about these Action Activities, our other components, and how to get started with GrapeSEED in your classroom !
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