Parent Letter: Look carefully at letters and words at Teach Daily

Your child is currently working on the literacy strategy, Look carefully at letters and words, which helps with the overall goal, Accuracy.

Reading is a visual task where we look closely at the fine differences of print to distinguish letters and words. Sometimes a reader hurries and doesn’t look at all the letters in a word, or makes a guess after seeing one letter. And occasionally, readers mix up words that look similar because they are not distinguishing one letter from another. For example, a reader might read fight when the word is flight.

Teaching readers to look carefully at letters and words puts a focus on being intentional when reading, creating a deeper awareness so they can tell the differences between letters and words and accurately read the text in front of them. We teach readers to focus on letters and words, and to check for understanding to make sure the words make sense as they go.

How can you help your child with this strategy at home?

Encourage your child to use their finger to follow along as they read, pointing to each letter and sliding left to right as they read a word.
Remind them to stop and think, Does it make sense? If it doesn’t, remind them to reread, looking carefully at the letters and words.
Use a bookmark or straight edge to follow the words and sentences so they are read in order.

Thank you for your continued support at home!

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