Often referred to simply as "List 5.3," this section of the LETRS manual (typically found in Volume 1, Unit 5) is the bridge between the theory of the Four-Part Processing System for word recognition and the practice of teaching phonics. If you have ever wondered how to systematically select words for a dictation exercise, build a phonics screener, or create a word sort that actually targets orthographic mapping, you need to master this resource.
| Time | Activity | Action | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | 2 min | Phoneme Review | Say /s/, /t/, /p/, /l/, /r/. Students write the letter. | | 3 min | Auditory Sorting | Say "stop," "spot," "top," "pot." Students stand up for /st/ words, sit for /sp/ words. | | 5 min | Word Reading | Display 5 words from List 5.3 (stop, spot, spin, step, skip). Students decode aloud, tapping fingers for each phoneme. | | 3 min | Dictation | Teacher says "step." Students map it: /s/ /t/ /e/ /p/ → s-t-e-p. | | 2 min | Transfer | Students read a sentence: "The frog can stop on the log." (uses words from List 5.3 and known high-frequency words). | Q: Can I use Resource List 5.3 with English learners (ELs)? A: Yes, but be cautious. Some words (e.g., fern , pup ) may be unfamiliar. Pre-teach the meaning quickly. The decoding skill transfers across languages, but meaning does not. resource list 5.3 of the letrs manual
For educators engaged in the Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling (LETRS) training, navigating the manual’s dense, research-backed appendices can feel overwhelming. Yet, among these treasures lies one of the most practical tools for classroom instruction: Resource List 5.3 . Often referred to simply as "List 5
Resource List 5.3 (blends column), whiteboards, markers. Students write the letter
A: LETRS recommends 90% accuracy for decoding on List 5.3 before advancing to the next column. For encoding (spelling), aim for 80-85% with self-correction.
A: Only if they are decoding below grade level. For older struggling readers, use the list but remove the "childish" context. Frame it as "code-breaking" or "syllable surgery."