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Morphology and syllables

Understanding morphology and syllables

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At The Reading Specialists, we’re passionate about helping children develop strong reading skills. One important aspect of reading fluency is understanding the structure of words – morphology and syllables. Let’s break it down!

Morphology: The building blocks of words

Think of morphology as the study of word parts. Much like building blocks create complex structures, morphemes (the smallest meaning-carrying units) combine to form words. For example, the word “unbreakable” is made up of three morphemes: “un” (not), “break” (to fracture), and “able” (capable of). Understanding morphology helps children decode unfamiliar words by recognising familiar morphemes and their meanings.

Syllables: The rhythm of reading

Syllables are the building blocks of pronunciation. A syllable is a unit of sound containing a vowel (or sometimes a vowel sound made by a combination of letters) and surrounding consonants. For example, the word “cat” has one syllable (C-V), while “water” has two syllables (WA-TER). Knowing how to divide words into syllables helps children sound them out more easily, improving their reading fluency.

The connection between morphology and syllables:

Morphology and syllables work hand-in-hand. Often, morphemes correspond to syllables. For example, in the word “unbreakable,” each morpheme is also a separate syllable. This isn’t always the case, but the connection can be a helpful tool for decoding.

Why are morphology and syllables important?

Understanding morphology and syllables empowers children in several ways:

  • Improved decoding: By recognising morphemes and syllables, children can break down unfamiliar words into smaller, more manageable units, making them easier to sound out and read.
  • Spelling development: Knowing how words are formed helps children understand spelling patterns and improves their written communication skills.
  • Vocabulary building: Morphology opens a window to vocabulary expansion. Recognising familiar morphemes in new words allows children to guess their meaning and build their vocabulary base.
  • Reading fluency: When children can decode words quickly and smoothly, their reading fluency improves, making reading a more enjoyable experience.

How we can help:

At The Reading Specialists, we incorporate activities that teach morphology and syllable awareness into our reading intervention programs. We tailor our approach to each child’s needs, ensuring they develop a strong foundation for reading success.

Unlocking the magic of reading together

If your child is struggling with reading, there’s hope! Contact The Reading Specialists today for a free consultation. Together, we can help your child develop the skills they need to become a confident and enthusiastic reader.

Understanding phonics: A key to reading success

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Educators often emphasise the importance of phonics in reading. But what exactly are phonics?

Phonics explained:

Phonics are the sounds that letters represent, also known as letter-sound relationships. Most letters have one main sound, like “t” in “tap.” However, some letters have multiple sounds depending on the context, like “c” which makes a “k” sound in “cat” and an “s” sound in “city.” Phonics also include letter combinations like “th,” “ch,” and “ee,” and even three-letter groups like “igh” in “light.”

Why phonics matter:

The English language has two types of words: regular words that follow phonics rules (like “ship”) and irregular words that don’t (like “yacht”). Phonics are crucial for learning to decode unfamiliar regular words. By identifying the letters and their corresponding sounds (e.g., “cat” = c-a-t = k-a-t), children can blend these sounds to read the word (“cat”). This process is called decoding.

Knowing phonics helps children read many words, but not all. While skilled readers use phonics intuitively, struggling readers may need explicit instruction on letter-sound rules to become proficient.

Teaching phonics to struggling readers:

Research suggests a systematic and direct approach is most effective. Systematic means following a plan that starts with easier letter-sounds (“t”) and progresses to more complex ones (“ph”). Direct instruction means explicitly teaching letter-sound rules, not expecting children to learn them on their own.

Learning phonics at home:

Decodable readers are great tools for practicing decoding skills. These books focus on specific letter-sounds and spelling patterns children have learned, allowing them to practice in a reading context. Decodable readers are available for both beginning and older readers (check websites like speldsa.org.au for resources).

Many phonics apps are available, but some with structured approaches include ABC Pocket Phonics and Teach Your Monster. Spelfabet (www.spelfabet.com.au) also lists various phonics apps for struggling readers.

Phonics for reading vs. spelling:

For skilled readers and spellers, phonics may seem the same. However, struggling readers and spellers may need to be taught both decoding (reading) and encoding (spelling). Encoding involves the opposite process of decoding. When spelling a regular word they don’t know (e.g., “ship”), children need to segment the word into sounds (sh-i-p) and convert those sounds to letters (s-h-i-p).

Irregular words:

The English language has many irregular words, like “yacht,” where some sounds don’t follow phonics rules. While some parts of “yacht” follow phonics (“y” and “t”), the “ach” makes an “o” sound, an exception to the rule. Here, phonics can still be helpful in reading parts of the word, but not the entire word. Completely irregular words like “choir” need to be taught differently.

The importance of phonics:

Phonics are the foundation of word reading, even for irregular words. Children who understand phonics have a strong base for independent reading, allowing them to decode new regular words on their own. However, due to the complexity of English, irregular words require additional teaching methods to build strong reading and spelling skills.

Contact The Reading Specialists today if you suspect your child may need a little help.

Five tips for reading to your children

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At The Reading Specialists, we know that reading aloud to children is one of the most powerful ways to nurture a love of language and literacy. But beyond the educational benefits, reading together creates a special bond and a lifetime of cherished memories. Here are five heartwarming tips to make story time magical for you and your child, inspired by an article from The Conversation [^1].

1. Cuddle up and create a cozy atmosphere:

Find a comfortable spot – a couch, a beanbag chair, under a blanket fort – and snuggle in together. This physical closeness fosters a sense of security and connection, making your child receptive to the story.

2. Make it interactive!

Bring the story to life with your voice. Use different tones and inflections for different characters, and encourage your child to participate. Let them sound out words, make animal noises, or ask questions.

3. Embrace the power of repetition:

Children love familiar stories! Rereading favorites allows them to anticipate what comes next and feel a sense of mastery. This repetition also strengthens their vocabulary and comprehension.

4. Go beyond the words:

Talk about the pictures in the book. Ask your child questions about the characters, the setting, and the plot. This helps them develop critical thinking skills and make connections to the story.

5. Spark a love of learning:

Let story time be a springboard for further exploration. Visit the library together, choose books based on your child’s interests, and encourage them to tell you stories of their own.

Remember, reading aloud is a journey, not a destination. Enjoy the time you spend together, celebrate your child’s curiosity, and create a lasting love for the written word.

The Reading Specialists: Empowering a Love of Reading

At The Reading Specialists, we are passionate about supporting parents and caregivers in fostering a love of reading in their children. We offer a variety of resources and workshops to help you make the most of story time.

 

Ready to embark on a reading adventure with your child? Contact The Reading Specialists today for a free consultation. Let’s help your child unlock the magic of books!

Reference:

[^1] Mears, S. (2017, February 21). Five tips to help you make the most of reading to your children. The Conversation. https://www.nypl.org/blog/2021/01/22/tips-reading-aloud-children

What does evidence-based reading intervention mean?

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At The Reading Specialists, we understand that seeing your child struggle with reading can be a source of worry. You want to help them succeed, but navigating the world of reading intervention options can be overwhelming. Here, we want to assure you that we offer evidence-based reading intervention, a powerful approach rooted in research and proven to yield results.

What does “evidence-based” mean?

Simply put, evidence-based means our programs are built on a foundation of scientific research. We don’t rely on guesswork or fads – our methods are backed by studies that demonstrate their effectiveness in improving reading skills.

Here’s a breakdown of what “evidence-based” means at The Reading Specialists:

  • Research-backed techniques: We utilise strategies and approaches that have been shown to be effective in improving reading skills in children with various reading difficulties, including dyslexia.
  • Individualised programs: We understand that every child learns differently. We conduct a thorough assessment to identify your child’s unique needs and then tailor a program that specifically addresses their challenges.
  • Data-driven progress tracking: We monitor your child’s progress regularly using ongoing assessments. This allows us to adjust the program as needed and ensure they are making measurable gains.
  • Collaboration with you: We believe in open communication and collaboration with parents throughout the intervention process. We keep you informed of your child’s progress and provide you with strategies to support their learning at home.

The benefits of evidence-based reading intervention:

By choosing an evidence-based approach, you can be confident that your child is receiving the best possible support. Here are some of the benefits:

  • Improved reading skills: Our programs are designed to target specific areas of difficulty, leading to measurable improvements in reading accuracy, fluency, and comprehension.
  • Increased confidence: As your child experiences success, their confidence in reading grows. This fosters a love of learning and motivates them to continue exploring the world of books.
  • Stronger foundation: Evidence-based intervention equips your child with the skills they need to become successful readers, both now and in the future.

Ready to help your child thrive?

At The Reading Specialists, we are passionate about helping children overcome reading challenges and unlock their full potential. Contact us today for a free consultation. Together, we can create a personalised, evidence-based reading intervention plan that empowers your child to become a confident and successful reader.