Have you ever tried to learn a second language? Not always an easy task, right?!
Now, can you imagine trying to learn the English language? We have rules and then the rules don't apply. We have patterns and then words don't follow said patterns. We have sounds but then letters in certain words don't make the same sound.
To a struggling reader, all of the above are incredibly frustrating. That is why it is so important to teach our students about word recognition. We have to give them the proper tools to navigate through the reading rules.
I think the two most important strategies when teaching word recognition, besides the common letter/sound relationship, are chunking and syllables. When students are able to break words down into chunks and syllables instead of sounding out letter by letter, they are more able to recognize the words they are reading. Just like reading word by word stifles reading comprehension, sounding out letter by letter stifles the comprehension of the single word.
Students may not be able to see chunks or syllables in words, therefore we must teach them how to recognize these important word components. If we don't, they will be left feeling as if it is all Greek.
Nice tie in with the title and class tonight. haha
ReplyDeleteI agree that if students have a couple of strategies under their belt, they are able to better help themselves in breaking down unfamiliar words in their readings.
Word recognition is very important in reading for the reason that you said above. If they have to spend all their time sounding out every word, they will surely become frustrated when reading. Some of the words need to come effortlessly.
ReplyDeleteGreat information about word recognition, comprehension and how it relates to struggling readers. I agree with every thing that you stated, but I'm going to take another look at chunking. Thanks for sharing.
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