Course Home: Demo Group
Welcome to Building Blocks Phonics. Because this course is only meant to demonstrate the basics of the Building Blocks Phonics program, certain features of the full course will not be available. If you would like to know more about any part of our online learning program, please contact us.
Course Information
Barbara McNamara, Lead Trainer
[email protected]
(864)561-7902
Biography
Educational Background:
- B.A., Psychology, Fairfield University, 1985
- Licensure-Only, University of North Carolina, Wilmington, 2002
- M.Ed., Educational Supervision & Leadership, Clemson University, 2009
Professional Licensure & Endorsements:
- Special Education Multi-Categorical Licensure
- Literacy Specialist Licensure Endorsement
- Pursuing Online Teaching Endorsement
Experience:
- Elementary Special Education Resource Teacher, 2003-2014
- Literary Specialist, Greenville County Schools, Greenville, SC, 2014-2016
- Private Tutor/Owner, Tutor Greenville, Greenville, SC, 2016-2023
- Instructor, Greenville Literacy Association, Greenville, SC, 2019-Present
Objectives
By the end of this course, participants will:
- Objective 1: Explore relevant research on alphabetics and its importance to building foundational reading skills.
- Objective 2: Identify the 44 sounds of English through phonemic and phonological awareness.
- Objective 3: Recognize and understand spelling and phonological patterns of English that aid in decoding skills.
- Objective 4: Examine best teaching practices for implementing phonics-based instruction.
- Objective 5: Self-assess current instructional practices and identify opportunities for alphabetics implementation/integration into existing programs.
- Objective 6: Apply phonics-based instructional techniques in classroom applications.
Policies & Requirements
This course is designed for in-service professionals working in various capacities within literacy programs. A total of 46 professional development credits are available for completion of this course with a minimum of an 80% as a final grade and at the discretion of your organization’s authorizing officials.
General Policies:
- Log in at least 3 times per week.
- No late work without prior approval.
- Maintain academic integrity.
Earning Credit for Assignments
Participants should be mindful of assignment due dates. All work must be submitted by the required deadline to earn credit for the assignment. It is understood that any work submitted is solely of your own creation and attribution to any outside sources of information consulted is always required.
Technical Requirements
Participants are expected to have regular access to:
- An internet-enabled computer for completing coursework and required research.
- An internet enabled computer (or phone/tablet) with speakers/headphones and a microphone for participating in live webinars/conference calls.
- An internet enabled computer (or phone/tablet) with a camera and a microphone for recording and submitting required video assignments.
- In addition, a minimum proficiency in browsing the internet, uploading and downloading content, navigating to computer files, and using word processing software, email, and attachments is required.
Grading
A minimum of an 80% as a final grade in the course must be achieved to receive professional development credit for completion. Please refer to your organization’s authorizing official for specific questions on requirements and approvals for receiving professional development credit for this course.
| Assessment/Activity | Point Value* |
|---|---|
| Week 1 Orientation BBP Module 1 | 5 points |
| Week 2 Unit 1 Quiz | 5 points |
| Week 3 Unit 2 BBP Modules 2-6 | 25 points |
| Week 3 Unit 2 Discussion Forum 1 Initial Response | 15 points |
| Week 3 Unit 2 Discussion Forum 1 Comment x1 | 2 points |
| Week 3 Unit 2 Video 1 | 15 points |
| Week 4 Unit 3 BBP Modules 7-11 | 25 points |
| Week 4 Unit 3 Discussion Forum 2 Initial Response | 15 points |
| Week 4 Unit 3 Discussion Forum 2 Comment x1 | 2 points |
| Week 4 Unit 3 Video 2 | 15 points |
| Week 5 Unit 4 BBP Modules 12-15 | 20 points |
| Week 5 Unit 4 Discussion Forum 3 Initial Response | 15 points |
| Week 5 Unit 4 Discussion Forum 3 Comment x1 | 2 points |
| Week 5 Unit 4 Video 3 | 15 points |
| Week 6 Unit 5 BBP Modules 16-20 | 25 points |
| Week 6 Unit 5 Discussion Forum 4 Initial Response | 15 points |
| Week 6 Unit 5 Discussion Forum 4 Comment x1 | 2 points |
| Week 6 Unit 5 Video 4 | 15 points |
| Week 6 Unit 5 Survey | 5 points |
* Total points: 238 (80% = 190.4 points) = 45 Professional Development Credit Hours
Assessments
As you move through the course, you will be evaluated in a variety of formats including discussions, quizzes, and assignments.
Assignment Rubrics
Each assignment will have an associated rubric and point value attached to it. It is important to consult the rubric prior to submitting assignments to ensure all requirements have been met.
Quick Links
- Discussion Form
- Video Assignment Uploader
- Contact your Facilitator