Have you ever taught your child a rule from the English language to then have them point out an example where it doesn’t work? Many words in the English language don’t follow basic phonics rules. For example, children learn that ch makes the /ch/ sound we hear in chip. However, this rule does not apply when decoding the word school. Children need to be given tools to use when reading so they are not stumped when common rules don’t apply. Flip the sound is a strategy good readers use when they come to a word that doesn’t sound right or make sense. Knowing the multiple sounds a letter or letter combination can make and being able to flip the sounds around is an essential skill.
How can you help your child with this strategy at home?
1. When your child reads a word incorrectly, wait until he/she gets to the end of the sentence. Then, stop your child and ask, “Did the word you just read sound right?” Put your hand palm-down and flip your hand over while saying, “Try flipping the sound.” 2. Remind your child that when good readers use the strategy of flip the sound, they listen for a word they recognize. They then check to make sure that word makes sense in the sentence.
3. When sounding out words, review the different sounds letters make. Ask your child, “What other sound could that letter make?” Encourage your child to use the strategy of flip the sound to try different words until he/she is successful.
4. If your child is still struggling with this strategy, give your child the kinesthetic prompt of flipping over your hand as a quiet reminder to try the strategy.
5. This strategy can be compared to the strategy of cross checking. Remind your child to look at the word and ask, “Does it look right, does it sound right, does it make sense?” If it doesn’t sound right, they will then know to flip the sound and try again.
Written by: Allison Behne © www.thedailycafe.com
• Ideas and strategies are taken from: The CAFE Book, written by Gail Boushey & Joan Moser
