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I was reading the other day to my children and I discovered something that really works. Many of you probably already know. It is so simple and makes sense so if this seems stupid to you I am sharing for the others like me who never knew to do this. If you read to your children one of the story time books slowly and still interestingly while moving your finger as you go and when you get to a tough word sound it out for them showing with your finger it really works. It is very much how The Reading Lesson works in a way but with real books that they are already interested in hearing. We have started to do this for a page or so a day and it really has helped them take off. So if you have one that needs a little push this really helps. I also had them try to find words they could read as I was going before I got there and then they would see if they were right when I get there. They had to point it out to me before I read it. I try to make it really fun and sometimes will tease them if they are right and put some fake word in place that means something silly just to make them laugh.

This is not good for comprehension but it is a fun game to play and it really helps. It is obvious I know but I never did it before so I thought I would just share in case it helps anyone.

Thanks for sharing this! I agree that sometimes the simplest ideas can be the most profound.

Blessings,
Carrie

Great idea! I haven't done it yet...but have more chances coming soon. It would be so fun to have you as a teacher w2w! If only you weren't 15 hrs away, we'd have to get together. (My sister moved from Atlanta last week so we won't be headed there any time soon.) Anyway, I think your ideas are great!

Kathleen

That is a great idea - and it's a great transitional idea from phonics to independent reading! Thanks for sharing!
In Christ,
Julie

What a great idea! I'll have to remember this for when we start doing phonics in a few months!