• Sounding Out Words (Decoding)

    • Watch BrainPop Jr. Phonics section or go to Starfall and listen to short and long vowel sounds. Short vowel words have only one vowel. Ex. cap, sad, pup, hit, set.  Long vowel words have two vowels in them. Some words have an "e" added to the end. Ex. made, tape, rode, ride,... Some words have two vowels together. Usually the first vowel says its name and the second vowel is silent. Ex. goat, wait, leaf, true. Of course, in the English language, there are always exceptions to the rule. 
    • Practice word families. Ex. "ick" - pick, trick, stick, slick....     Ex.  "ap" - sap, cap, trap, lap.....
    • Practice words with blends in them. (black, flock, trap, crab, ....)

    Sight Words

    • Use flashcards to practice no more than 10 words per week. Don't forget to go back and review previously learned sight words!!
    • Make up sentences using the sight words. They can be silly sentences. Some children can read words in isolation, but have difficulty reading them in a sentence.

    Fluency

    • Practice reading a story more than one time. Emphasize reading with expression and reading like we talk. Especially help your child to stop and pause at periods and question marks.
    • Have your child track print by using his/her reading finger to keep them on the correct word and line.
    • Ask questions about every story your child reads or stories that you read to your child. Who, what, when, where, why did something happen, what might happen next, which was your favorite part and why?....  You can stop and ask questions as you go along.
    • Read, read, read!!