For part three of our “Tuesday Tidbit” structured literacy series, we’ll discuss decoding and spelling interventions for older readers.
For older readers who struggle with decoding and spelling, structured and consistent intervention is crucial. Decoding, the ability to apply knowledge of letter-sound relationships to correctly pronounce written words, is a foundational skill that supports reading fluency and comprehension. However, older students who haven't mastered these skills often require targeted interventions to catch up. Here’s how a structured intervention can be designed to help older struggling readers improve their decoding and spelling skills.
A successful intervention for older readers should follow a consistent and predictable structure. Here’s the structure we recommend:
1. Review Phonics Concepts: Start with a review of previously taught phonics concepts. This sets the stage for learning new material and reinforces key rules.
2. Phonics Application: After reviewing the rules, model the process of decoding words using the specific phonics rules being taught. This step shows students how to apply what they’ve learned in a practical context. Ask students to describe the phonics rule in their own words.
3. Practice Reading Words: Have students practice reading words that follow the phonics rules. Repetition and practice are key to reinforcing their learning.
4. Annotate Words: For students who need additional reinforcement, allow them to annotate words that follow the phonics rule. This step can help solidify their understanding and can also allow for some creativity - use different colored markers or pencils, or create an annotation “game” (How many words can you annotate in one minute?).
5. Preview High-Frequency Words: Diagnose and eliminate high-frequency words that students already know, allowing the lesson to focus on unfamiliar words that need reinforcement.
6. Challenge Words: Introduce challenge words that don’t follow the usual decoding patterns. Discuss these words’ meanings and practice decoding them together.
7. Reading Practice: Students should read a chapter or passage aloud, applying the phonics rules they’ve learned. As they read, teachers can take notes on their fluency and accuracy.
In the context of decoding interventions, it’s important to focus on specific phonics rules. Head here for a list of relevant phonics terms. Before you begin a decoding intervention, it’s vital that you assess where your students are in their decoding skills. This information will inform which phonics foci you should target. Each lesson should integrate these phonics foci into reading and practice exercises, allowing students to gradually build their skills.
Decoding and spelling interventions for older readers should be structured, repetitive, and focused on specific phonics rules. By incorporating consistent phonics practice, reading fluency activities, and comprehension checks, educators can help older students overcome their reading challenges and build a solid foundation for future learning. These interventions not only improve reading skills but also boost confidence, allowing students to engage more fully with academic content.
Tune in next week for Part 4: Middle and High School Fluency Activities. Check out our decodable chapter books for middle school and high school students - ideal for aligning with decoding interventions - here!