How to Help Kids With Problems Decoding Words

Make reading fun to encourage learning.

Decoding is the basis of reading and is an important first step for children to master as they begin comprehending the written language. Decoding centers around the relationship between letters and sounds, including the sounds letters make and how they work together to complete a word. Some youngsters pick up this process on their own, but most children must be taught decoding. You can assist a child struggling with word decoding by practicing the process a variety of ways.

Things You'll Need

• Alphabet letter magnets
• Alphabet printout or card
• Flash cards

Instructions

1. Practice the alphabet with your child. Sing the alphabet song together, then go through the song again slowly while your child writes the letters down. Go through the alphabet again by pointing to each letter on an alphabet printout or card, this time asking your child to make the sound each letter makes. Also, place the alphabet letter magnets on your refrigerator or in a play area, where your child can further work with and recognize the letters.

2. Break down words so the child can more easily decode the text and understand the letter-word relationship. Start with short words, such as "bag." Encourage your child to make the sound of each letter, including "buh," "aah," and "guh." Don't shy away from big words. Instead, break them down to syllables to sound out. For example, "relationship" may look very long and daunting to young readers, but by breaking the word down to "re-la-tion-ship," the child will see how the words and letters work together.

3. Show your child words throughout the day and sound them out with the youngster. This can be done in a book or on a homework assignment. The lesson can be more casual, too, pointing out words anywhere throughout the day, including on road signs or a card that came in the mail.

4. Point out irregular words that don't follow the standard letter-sound rules -- especially those that the child will come across regularly. These include "was," "said" and "are." Use flash cards or other learning methods to help the child learn to recognize these words on sight.

5. Encourage your child to read and write every day. These lessons don’t have to be in a homework format. Instead, designate 15 minutes each night when your child can read to you from a book. Also, encourage the child to compose letters to friends or begin keeping a journal. These tasks will help the child practice decoding words in action through reading and writing.

Tips & Warnings

• Be patient with a child who's learning to decode words and always provide positive reinforcement. This will make reading and writing something the child feels good about, and will encourage practice.

References

• Reading Rockets: Word Decoding and Phonics
• PBS Parents: Why Reading Matters