Reacting to Miscues
Learning to read involves risk taking on the part of the child. When miscues (mistakes) happen, the guidelines listed below may help you both.
Ø Be patient - he/she may figure the word out (after 10 seconds comprehension is affected, so try one of the strategies below)
Ø Ask - "What would make sense?"
Ø Avoid saying "Sound it out." Instead suggest using a Decoding Strategy.
Ø Allow substitutions, "dog" for "canine," as some words are hard to decode. Meaning is maintained.
Ø Focus on what your child is doing well.
Ø Praise good tries and accurate reading.
Ø Remember, reading is about deriving meaning, so don't lose the flow of the piece. Sometimes, it is better to tell your child the word, and go on.