Read & Spell with Your Ears First! Phonemic & Morphemic Awareness Explained

Phonological Processing is one of the five cognitive processes used for reading, and Phonemic Awareness is one of the 5 Pillars of Early Literacy according to the National Reading Panel.. In this workshop, we’ll dive into the components of phonological processing, phonemic awareness, and morphemic awareness to understand their importance and impact on reading and writing. Participants will have a chance to try out a variety of phonemic and morphemic awareness activities, get a first-hand look at skill-based assessments to drive instruction.. Additionally, a variety of curricula, resources, and manipulatives will be shared to support classroom instruction.

Audience: Elementary teachers (TK-2nd), literacy coaches, instructional aides, and paraprofessionals
Length: 1.5 hours Workshop
Presenter: Molly Bricker
Date: December 10, 2025
Time: 4:30-6 pm

Outcomes

• Participants will acquire an understanding of the components of phonological processing
• Participants will acquire an understanding of phonemic awareness vs. phonological awareness
• Participants will understand the unique differences between phonemic and morphemic awareness
• Participants will learn interactive strategies for phonemic and morphemic awareness exercises
• Participants will leave with an expanded toolkit of resources, activities, and materials to support phonological awareness, phonemic awareness, and morphemic awareness

Topics

• Review Brain Processes of Reading
• Components of Phonological Processing
• Phonological Processing vs. Phonemic Awareness
• Phonemic & Morphemic Awareness Exercises
• Relevant Curriculum, Resources, and Manipulatives

Teacher Bio

Molly Bricker is a former classroom teacher who now trains teachers in structured literacy through the Chartwell Teaching Institute. Additionally, Molly runs her own educational therapy practice in Los Angeles. Molly is an associate with the Association of Educational Therapists and the Orton-Gillingham Academy. She is also working to become an Orton-Gillingham Fellow.