Edith L. Slocum Elementary students and primary students across the Connetquot Central School District have been learning how to master phonics rules using a tool called Secret Stories. On Oct. 31, Edith L. Slocum students attended a special assembly in which teachers dressed up as a Secret Story letter character for Halloween.

From September to November, “top secret” envelopes are dropped off at the primary grade level classrooms daily, containing that day’s Secret Story. Secret Stories explain the “secret” reason why letters get together and make the many different sounds that they do and offer logical explanations for letter sound behavior. Rooted in the science of reading and cognitive neuroscience research, Secret Stories targets backdoor learning channels to accelerate phonics skill mastery for reading and writing.

During the assembly, students recognized the letter or sound each teacher was dressed up as, remembering the Secret Stories they were previously taught. They then practiced the sound each letter makes.

“This will help students to read and write words with the correct spelling and phonics rules in the classroom and create a memorable experience,” said first grade teacher Terri-Lynn Guarnieri-Guastella.

Date Added: 11/1/2023