Figuring out words vs guessing

Some kids guess because they don’t know what else to do. They haven’t been taught phonics or strategies for breaking down multi-syllabic words.

They may not have been taught to rote memorise the Dolch Words as I have done in my lessons. Rote memorisation of Dolch words is an excellent supplement to phonics instruction. Rote memory of Dolch words increases a kid’s familiarity of high frequency words which he will encounter in every book he reads.

Help kids figure out new words

                                                                    

Years ago, I shared a detailed lesson on how children can figure out unfamiliar words. That resource is no longer available, so let me briefly explain the approach I use with my students.

 

Not every word can be learned this way, but the method is powerful for teaching children how to logically decode many new words they encounter. It’s not about guessing — it’s about reasoning.