Has your child had plenty of practice with CVC words and is ready to move on?
The next step after CVC words is to add another consonant. Some words have two or more consonants at the beginning: CCVC (e.g., flat). Other words have them at the end: CVCC words (e.g., sand).
After that, there are different pathways. Here are some examples (there are many more):
- Core Knowledge Foundation (search for Phonics: Decoding and Encoding)
- 95 Core (look for kindergarten, sample packet, then “scope and sequence”)
- Reach all readers
- Science of Reading Formula
In general, two-letter combinations that are right next to each other (e.g., sh or ee) are easier than CVCe words (e.g., kite).
Once you have picked a new sound/pattern, introduce it, for instance, on a magna doodle or blackboard. Then practice it with some simple matching exercises. You can use simple doodles or look for free worksheets on TPT. Then let your child read it as part of decodable readers, stories, or read-alouds.
Also gradually introduce more helper words (such as he, we, etc.). There are many sites that offer high-frequency lists.
Examples:
- https://spedsupport.tea.texas.gov/sites/default/files/2023-08/high-frequency-word-list.pdf
- https://diannecraft.org/wp-content/uploads/1200-Most-Commonly-Used-Words.pdf
Are you ready to introduce CVCe words? Use visualizations and practice in word families (e.g., -ake, -ane, etc.) until your child understands the system.
