To introduce and focus on WORD FAMILIES, we decided to
use the well known author of Dr. Seuss. Not only does Dr. Seuss’ imaginative stories make reading and learning fun, but his books contain many examples of word families, repetitive sentences and simple 'popcorn words' (high frequency words).
One of the favourite Dr. Seuss books this week was Green Eggs and Ham.
Yes, many of the children did try the Green Eggs!!!
Some of the word families we explored this week - at - cat, hat, mat,
all - ball, mall, tall, fall
og - log, dog, frog
Ideas to Practise Word Families at Home
1. An Envelope of Words: To encourage your child to practice letter patterns, write the words on paper and cut each letter apart. Place the letters in an envelope, and label it with the word family. Then ask your child to build words. Your child could also write the words he/she makes on paper, chalkboard, marker board, etc.
2. Nursery Rhymes/Dr. Seuss books: Place small sticky notes over words in the story that contain word chunks. Let your child play a guessing game and guess what spelling patterns/words belong in the space. Lift the stick note to check your answer.
3. Texture Writing: Ask your child to make words by using a variety of textures: Play-Doh, shaving cream, sand, markers, chalk, crayons, finger paint, water paint, etc.
Most importantly, READ! Share books with your child every day. After reading a story for enjoyment, challenge your child to search in the text for word families he or she is familiar with.
Language Curriculum Expectations
1.1 explore sounds, rhythms, and language structures, with guidance and on their own
1.2 demonstrates an awareness that words can rhyme, can begin or end with the same sound, and are composed of phonemes that can be manipulated to create new words
