Why does ReadingDoctor Online sometimes say “ /a/ like in…” without saying the example word?

This is intentional and is part of the way ReadingDoctor® Online gradually removes instructional support, or scaffolding, as a student becomes more successful with a target.

For example, when learning the sound /a/, the program may initially say:

“Can you find /a/, like in apple?”

As the student responds correctly, the amount of support is gradually reduced:

• “/a/, like in apple”

• “/a/, like in…”

• “/a/”

So if you hear a prompt such as “/ch/, as in…” without the example word being spoken, this is not a glitch. The program is deliberately reducing the verbal cue so that the student increasingly retrieves the sound–grapheme relationship independently.

The aim is for students to eventually recognise and recall the target sound without needing the full example word.

You can read more about ReadingDoctor Online’s teaching methodology here:
https://rdonline-educator-guide.readingdoctor.com.au/teaching-objectives/teaching-methodology