Now that there is such a wealth of knowledge in regards to how kids learn to read, we know that we want to teach our kids decoding strategies, not guess work. So, how do we help students to apply their phonics knowledge when they get stuck on a word? I hope that some of these characters might be able to help them out!
These one-page handouts are a perfect way to display all of these characters in one place - use as scaffolds during reading sessions with your students.
The Decoding Crew include:
⭐️ LEFTIE LETTIE— start reading the word from the left.
⭐️ BLENDING BELINDA — blend the sounds together to read the word.
⭐️ GRAPHEME GRAHAM — bounce to each grapheme and say the sound.
⭐️ CHOPPING CHARLIE — chop the word into all of its syllables.
⭐️ ROBBIE REVEALER — slowly uncover each sound one by one with your finger to reveal the word.
⭐️ BASE WORD BLAKE — separate the base word from any prefixes/suffixes.
⭐️ MEANING MATILDA — read the sentence again, and check it makes sense.
⭐️ POINTING PERCY — point to each sound/word as you are reading.
⭐️ OBSERVANT OLIVIA — keep your eyes on the words as you are reading.
Note- your students may not be ready for all of these strategies- encourage them to use the ones that are most suited to their level/areas for development.
2 versions are included:
- 7 strategies mostly based around word level
- 9 strategies - word and sentence level
Colour + black/white versions.
Want to know more?
I've written a blog post where I unpack each of these characters/strategies in more detail. I also share 6 different teacher prompts which teachers can use when students make decoding errors. Read it here: Research-Based Reading Strategy Characters
For more tips, tricks and practical advice for implementing evidence-based phonics practices in your classroom, follow
@mrslearningbee on Instagram.
