Two of the best predictors of success in early readers are alphabet recognition and phonemic awareness. Developing phonemic awareness in young children is central in learning to real and spell. Participants will be provided with an overview of why developing phonemic awareness is critical to focus efforts in the early years. This professional learning session will focus on generalizable instructional procedures, modeling by the presenter, practice teaching of the ten focus skills, and analysis of video examples. This focus day session aligns with Essential Instructional Practices in Early Literacy #4.