From FreeReading
What to do
- Assemble a stack of word index cards. The cards should be a mix of CVC and CVCe words (and CCVC, CCCVC, CCVCe, and CCCVe words) (or use these index cards).
- Now let's play a game. We're going to try to go through this stack of cards as fast as we can saying the word on each card. Let's see how fast we can go. Be careful because some of these words end in a silent e. My turn first.
- Next, model taking the top card of the stack, showing it to the students, and saying the word after a pause. Do not sound out the word. Continue through the stack.
- Do you think you can go faster than I did? Call on a single student in the group, starting with a student you think may be slow. Show the first card: What's the word? If the student is incorrect, correct him, have him repeat your answer, and move to the next card. Praise correct answers.
- Select the next quicker student and repeat until all students in the group have worked through the stack.
- If a student sounds out a CVCe word as if it is a CVC word, say, Remember the rule: the e stays silent but it makes the vowel say its name. Cover up the e. Which letter here is the vowel? Right, the i (or whichever letter). Uncover the e. So instead of /i/, the i says its name: /ī/. So what's the word?
- Okay, now let's go faster. Shuffle the stack of cards and then repeat with students in the same order but encouraging them to go faster.
- If time and focus allow, shuffle and repeat at an even faster pace.
- For students who struggle, give them help and make a note in an Activity Log.
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