A way to aproach new words, but for now we practice on just two letter words. Check the great video at the end of this introduction. The reader will feel comfortable sounding out two letter words with long sounds being consistent and learning the look, and spelling of the word. They might recognize them and let them know there are tons of rules to say words and for now dont worry about that. I never knew I was wrong, or there were tons of rules, but at 5 I was given a pocket dictionary to refine the pronunciation, and to learn the definitions. At this time just let them have fun because it is incredibly productive with respect to the development of the young mind and structure.
This is not about breaking every word into two letters as in the Leonard Alan Reading Technique. That is for advanced gaming, vocabulary and languages and when they are reading the entire book. Try to think of this game as cutting the language down to the size of the new reader. Two letters, one sound and they just READ A WORD! It is the tiny accomplishments that are like huge mountains and they are on top planting a flag on that word. Their new friend for life!
It is no small event when a new reader sees a familiar word. One they know and can breeze right by right or wrong not understanding but just enjoying the moment. Like finding a letter, or a match its Mind Candy! So exciting. When they start to see fewer new two letter words, maybe it is time for Game 3. They can always read new and old Two letter words while going after bigger fish. The key is that the two letter language is in their hat like a feather, and they realize it just takes time but they can know them all.
This is not like a list of two letter words where you just practice them one after another. Try to realize they are playing, hunting, seeking, and the prize is bagging a new word. They are learning so much and handling the book or E-Reader. They are using hand to eye coordination and alternating hands so they dont get worn out. The mind is getting excited and its like you are trying to keep a friend interested and excited. I dont talk about the development of the mind much yet, but maybe in some research papers and a more serious book.
For now at this time: Scan the book for two letter words. Sounding out two letter words is a great start. The child will find it easy to just say the letters and combine the two sounds. They will then start to recognize the two letter words they have already read and realize how frequently these short words are used. After a while, the child will know all the two letter words and be able to read them very quickly.
Learning independently is the key to great thinking and imagination. Letting the child figure these words out on their own will give the child great confidence. When the child is able to read every two letter word, they will realize the same will be true with longer words. The language has then been effectively reduced to their size.
Leave some pages in your Sleuthing book to maybe draw the two letter words if you are so inclined after you have played this a while. Don’t just use this book or other books; use an encyclopedia, newspaper, street signs, or magazine for pictures and small words. It can truly become one of the greatest pastimes.
To sound out words, just say the two letters, and put the two sounds together. For example: Be starts with a “B” sound and ends with an “E” sound and you just read a word. “To” may sound like “toe” with this technique, but the key is consistency and simplicity. They can always adjust for the various sounds of each letter and rules for each word.
Play for as long as they want. They are blowing through books, turning pages, and just learning like I can’t describe at this time. This is about keeping it all simple and fun, getting up on the wave and surfing not staying bogged down. Best wishes and Keep Sleuthing those new words!
To Be Or No To Be? BE! So we can PLAY, READ, and SLEUTH! (which is all really work.) Without Hesitation a new way to approach new words. 🙂
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