Chapter 11 describes how to teach decoding, vocabulary, and fluency. Decoding is the foundation of all comprehension. It is really important that teachers of all subjects correct students when they mis-read words so they will get the correct information from the text. Once they have that, they will be able to form a cohesive whole. Try to make your comments as succinct as possible; every extra word wastes time. "Punch the error" (emphasizing the word to beg a correction); "Mark the Spot" (rereading the three or four words before the misread word and intending the student to finish); "Name the Sound" reminds students of what specific sounds vowels, consonants, or chunks make and any rules that may apply to that sound. "Chunk It" means breaking down a word into parts by either taking off the prefix or suffix or finding the root word. "Speed the Exceptions" means correcting quickly those words that are exceptions to the rule by telling students those words don't follow the rules so we will just have to remember them. These words may also be added to an ongoing sight word list.
Vocabulary development takes place when the student hears a word multiple times and in different contexts. Make sure they know the correct pronunciation, otherwise they will have to work harder later to correct it. Compare words so students can discern the different shades of meaning between synonyms. Ask students to identify a word's part of speech, change it to past tense, find the root word, and use pictures to describe the word.
Fluency is best taught by example. Read with expression and plan to play audio books and bring in guests to read to the students so they hear a variety of voices. Identify the emotions behind the words so students can focus on making their voices sound more expressive. Ask students to emphasize two or three important words in a sentence to add meaning to it. Most importantly, have students practice what they have just learned. This allows them to improve and ingrain new habits.
Vocabulary development takes place when the student hears a word multiple times and in different contexts. Make sure they know the correct pronunciation, otherwise they will have to work harder later to correct it. Compare words so students can discern the different shades of meaning between synonyms. Ask students to identify a word's part of speech, change it to past tense, find the root word, and use pictures to describe the word.
Fluency is best taught by example. Read with expression and plan to play audio books and bring in guests to read to the students so they hear a variety of voices. Identify the emotions behind the words so students can focus on making their voices sound more expressive. Ask students to emphasize two or three important words in a sentence to add meaning to it. Most importantly, have students practice what they have just learned. This allows them to improve and ingrain new habits.
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