Which strategy would be most effective for a first-grade bilingual teacher to help students develop phonemic awareness in their L1?

The strategy of playing rhyming games and using chants with words that rhyme in the students' first language (L1) is highly effective for developing phonemic awareness. This method engages students in a playful and interactive manner, helping them to recognize the sounds within words. Rhyming games focus on auditory discrimination and the manipulation of sounds, which are foundational skills for phonemic awareness. By using the students’ L1, the teacher leverages their existing language skills and promotes a deeper understanding of sound patterns in a familiar context.

Additionally, this approach fosters a love for language through music and rhythm, making learning enjoyable and effective. It encourages students to listen closely and experiment with sounds, which are crucial components of developing phonemic awareness. This strategy is particularly pertinent for young learners who benefit from kinesthetic and auditory activities that reinforce language skills in a supportive, engaging environment.