stepping up to step 3

My student passed the post test for step 2 with flying colors so we started step three this past week.  We are now starting two syllable words.  The emphasis of the program is on seeing the individual sounds in the words and then blending those sounds into decodable words.  I really like how visual it is.  This past week was beleaguered by foresight testing, a two hour delay, and a soccer presentation so I was not able to get a whole lesson in.  Instead, I used the time to introduce my student to the concept of two syllable words, how to divide the syllables (three rules) and a new procedure for breaking down and spelling multi-syllabic words.  I feel like I did a good job laying the groundwork for a successful lesson.  This coming week I will be able to teach a number of complete lessons so that should get us back on track.  I feel like we are in a good place right now.  My student seems to understand the underlying concepts.  My biggest challenge will be deciding what to do about the schwa sounds.  We have the option of teaching them now or waiting.  My student already asked me about them and I deferred the question, explaining that we will learn about that later.  She is so sharp, I am certain we will be better served to teach them sooner rather than later.  In the meantime, in talking with her regular education teacher, we have decided that I can provide a spelling grade for my student.  The words she is spelling for me are carefully selected to follow the rules she has already learned where as the words in her regular class are not so she is more successful with the Wilson words.