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Second graders demonstrate Heggerty phonemic‑awareness lessons at Derry Area board meeting
Summary
Grandview Elementary second graders and teachers demonstrated the Heggerty phonemic-awareness program for the board; staff described why the district expanded the program into grade 2 based on assessment data and earlier implementation in preschool to grade 1.
At the meeting the district presented a classroom demonstration of the Heggerty phonemic-awareness curriculum with Grandview Elementary second graders. District and school staff said the program, already used in pre-K through first grade, was extended into second grade after staff reviewed longitudinal assessment data and identified a need to strengthen phonemic awareness in that cohort.
Mrs. McLean, Grandview's academic principal, introduced the presentation and said families and staff attended so the board could "get a glimpse of our second grade instruction." Teacher Haley Laudenslager led a 10'to'12-minute class-wide Heggerty lesson that emphasized auditory phonemic practice, choral responses, and some kinesthetic activities used in later small-group interventions.
Students gave short, scripted remarks about the program during the demonstration. One second-grade student described Heggerty as helping with "making rhyming words" and "helps me spell and read words correctly." Another student said the program "helps us learn how to read words" and that the teacher'led, choral format meant students did not have to raise their hands for each answer. The district emphasized the program is evidence-based and used as a tier-1, whole-class intervention; small-group tactile elements are added for targeted support.
District staff said the Heggerty lessons are cost-effective, easy to implement, and appropriate for all learners, and that teachers use local assessment data (Acadiant/Acadience subtest data referenced by staff) to guide instruction and interventions. After the demonstration the board thanked the students, staff and families; district staff reminded the public the meeting livestream and recording are posted on the district website for those who want to view the presentation again.
The board did not take action on the program during the meeting; the presentation served as information and demonstration of classroom practice.
