There is so much you can learn about a student’s phonics skills just from looking at writing samples.   One of the big “ah-ha” moments from my Phonics First training (Orton-Gillingham based program) was when the trainer said that a student has not fully mastered a phonics rule until you see him/her use it in writing.  Of course, that makes sense.  Sometimes you just need someone to point out the obvious.  Since that time, I’ve made it a point to really take some time to analyze writing samples.  One of the problems I’m having with some students is actually trying to read what they are writing.  This issue has led to numerous conversations with our Occupational Therapists regarding handwriting.  Admittedly, it