Reading Big WordsFun Lessons and Activities for Teaching Multisyllabic Word Decoding

Introductions

Noelle Clark17 Years2/3 Loop

Evansville Elementary SchoolEvansville, Wyoming

Who do we have in the room?

Goals*Build knowledge about multisyllabic words and best practices

*Model hands on strategies

*Provide resources

Best Practice

Decoding Skills/PhonicsFluency ComprehensionVocabulary

Why teach explicit

multisyllabic decoding skills?

“Knowledge of common syllable patterns and structural analysis improves the ability to read, spell, and learn the meanings of multisyllabic words” (Blevins, 2001) Teaching Phonics and Word Study in the Intermediate Grades.

Why teach explicit

multisyllabic decoding skills?

“”Most poor readers have a strategy imbalance. They tend to over-rely on one reading strategy, such as context clues, to the exclusion of other strategies that might be more appropriate (Sulzby, 1985)” (Blevins, 2001) Teaching Phonics and Word Study in the Intermediate Grades.

Why teach explicit

multisyllabic decoding skills?

“”Since words can be stored in working memory for only about 10-15 seconds, slow decoding can result in words ‘decaying’ before the reader can process a meaningful chunk of text” (Blevins, 2001) Teaching Phonics and Word Study in the Intermediate Grades.

Where can explicit multisyllabic word instruction fit?

Small differentiated reading groups

*2-3 times a week

*15-20 minutes

Whole group games/activities

*2 times a week

*10-15 minutes

When to Begin?Assessments guide the way!

Early Literacy Skills:

✔ Letter Sounds

✔ Single Syllable Words

✔ Basic Affixes

✔ Basic Sight Words

Ready for multisyllabic word study!!!

Six Syllable Types:Closed

Short vowel sound

Example: picnic Open

Long vowel sound with only one vowel

Example: silo

Silent e

Long vowel sound with silent e

Example: ignite

Vowel Team

Two vowels together making a sound

Example: oatmeal

Bossy r

R-controlled sound

Example: charter

Consonant+ le

Consonant + -le, -al, -el

Example: table

Introducing 6 Syllable Types

Day One- Introduce, Code, Practice in Isolation

Open-Syllable

Day Two- Review, Write, Practice in a Sentence

Day Three- Reinforce in a Game, Independent Word Sort,

Speed Drills

humancv cvc

The tiger was a lazy feline.

Can you spot the open syllable words?

Quick Tips:*Get familiar with the syllable types!

*Be careful when picking words

*Mastery before moving on

*Authentic texts

Nifty Thrifty Fifty

Turn 50 words into 300+!

Teaches students to recognize, understand, and spell the most common prefixes and suffixes

5 - 7 words at a time3 times a week for 15 minutes

irresponsible

employee

employemployeremployment

Nifty Thrifty Resources Online:The full list with suggestions for use:

https://faculty.sites.wfu.edu/pat-cunningham/wp-content/uploads/sites/51/2017/12/NiftyThriftyFifty.pdf

The full list with a monthly suggested focus, also includes words that can be made from the 50:

https://teachers.net/4blocks/frazierNiftyThriftyFiftymonthlyplan.pdf

Games to play online:

http://www.gamequarium.org/dir/Readquarium/Vocabulary/Nifty_Thrifty_Fifty/

Making Big Words Lessons*differentiated*whole group or small group

*develops decoding, vocabulary, and spelling

*fun

Word Ladders*develops vocabulary

*develops spelling

*engaging

*easy to prepare

Prefix, Suffix, or Root of the WeekGuidelines:

● 2-3 times a week

● Introduce, review, extend

● Plan ahead, choose wisely

Questions or Comments?

Contact Info:

Noelle Clark

noelle.clark@clarkvark.com