Decoding is “reading” the words. It is the ability to apply knowledge of letter-sound relationships, including knowledge of letter patterns and correct pronunciation of written words. Decoding allows children to recognize words quickly as well as figure out unfamiliar words. Some children figure out these relationships on their own, and others need phonics instruction. Phonics is just one approach that teaches letter-sound relationships, how to sound out words, and exceptions to principles. (Not all children who decode can comprehend, however.)
Good Word Decoding/Phonics means that the child can:
§ match sounds and letters
§ “decode” or simply read
§ read and spell phonetically
§ recognize phonics patterns and familiar words
§ look at the letters in the whole word when reading
§ utilize vowel sounds taught in his/her writing
§ recognize letter patterns when reading words
§ play with magnet letters ~ can put them in abc order
§ write phonetically
To work on this skill:
§ Work on letters and letter sounds.
§ Make connections to what letters/words your child is learning in school to letters/words in real life on TV, street signs, menus, etc.
§ Sort pictures and objects by sound, having your child say the letter sound repeatedly.
§ Use manipulatives to help with letter sound relationships, such as magnetic letters, magnetic word chunks, flashcards.
§ Teach “irregular” words and sight words