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| Literacy Training: Reading Big Words & Playing Word Detectives |
Context: |
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When children begin to read, they learn how to decode words. They learn that each letter or group of letters represents a sound, and how to blend these sounds together to read new words. As students become more skilled, they still need to know what to do when they come to a word they don't immediately recognize. Tutors can support students' ability to read new words with simple strategies and a word detective game.
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Goals: |
Tutors will be able to help children:
- Develop independent word recognition strategies
- Focus on the internal structure of words such as prefixes and suffixes
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Materials/Preparation: |
| Construction paper and pens to make Reading Big Words list (below) |
Activity: |
Tutors can help students notice common spelling patterns and other clues to meaning as they read. Begin by explaining that proficient readers are able to quickly recognize chunks within words (e.g., doghouse can be read because students easily recognize dog and house). Discuss strategies for recognizing syllables and common prefixes and suffixes, approximating pronunciation, and using context to determine meaning.
Tutors and students can make a handy chart that helps them remember five quick ways to read big words. The ,i>Reading Big Words chart lists the following strategies (Blevins, 2001):
- Look for the word parts (prefixes) at the beginning of the word (e.g., un-, dis-, pre-, re-, non-, mis-).
- Look for word parts (suffixes) at the end of the word (e.g., -ing, -ful, -able, -ness, -est, -ful, -es, -ed).
- Look for familiar spelling patterns in the base words.
- Sound out and blend together the word parts.
- Say the word parts quickly. Correct pronunciation is important. Ask yourself: Is this a real word? Does it make sense in the sentence?
Tutors can expand this activity by playing Word Detectives with a group of students. Write the syllable pattern (two- or three-syllable words), prefix, or suffix that students are currently working where everyone can see it. As tutors read aloud, students write down every word they hear that contains the targeted syllable pattern or word part and receive a point for each one they identify correctly.
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Key Questions and Points to Remember: |
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Word analysis is an area of instruction that should reflect the teacher's classroom practice. It is important for tutors to gain as much information as possible about how students are being taught.
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Developed by LEARNS, a partnership of the Northwest Regional Educational Laboratory (1-800-361-7890) and Bank Street College of Education (1-800-930-5664). For additional activities or assistance, please call. |
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