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When Your Child
Comes To An Unknown Word |
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Often
adults tell a child to "sound out" an unknown word. Frequently that
prompt is successful and the word is decoded. When sounding out
doesn't work, adults usually tell the word and reading continues.
However, our goal is to help children become independent readers.
Here are some alternative suggestions for parents or "homework
helpers" to use when your child confronts an unknown word: * Wait 5-10 seconds to see what attempts are made. Ask: "What would make sense there?" * Use the picture to help figure out the word. * Skip the word and continue reading to the end of line or sentence. * Go back and read the sentence again. * If the word was on a previous page, go back and try to find it.
* Look for a smaller word
in a big one (and in sand). * Cover the ending (-ed, -ing) with your finger and try the word. * Look how the word begins. Let the sound "pop" right out. * Help with blending (sounding it out). * Tell the word and keep on reading. * It is important that children learn to use these strategies independently. When your child figures out a word, you might ask how he/she did it. Telling about their reading helps to reinforce learning.
In the classic tale of
Goldilocks and the Three Bears, Goldilocks tried all of the
bears' porridge, chairs, and beds. Eventually, she found the ones
that were "just right" for her. The books your child reads can be
thought of in the same way. A book that is "just right" is one
that your child can read independently. It is not too hard and it
is not too easy. It's a good fit - it's "just right".
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