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/ Decoding Word Chain Drill

Decoding Word Chain Drill

Purpose

Blending words with previously learned sounds

Summary

The Decoding Word Chain Drill supports learners' phonemic awareness and phonics, by having them read a succession of words while changing one sound at a time.

Materials Needed

Magnetic letters on a whiteboard or the Spellcaster word mat.

How to deliver

  1. Set up your magnetic letters on a whiteboard (or use the Spellcaster word mat).
  2. You will build the first word, and your learner will continuously blend the sounds to decode it. You can support this by running your finger under the word as they stretch out the sounds, or you can encourage them to do this. For example, the word is 'mat', and the learner will say "mmmmmmaaaaaaattttt, mat" as you or the learner runs their finger under the sounds. As your learner's phonemic and decoding skills grow, they will be able to blend words more quickly, or instantly read them without too much support.
  3. Change the letter(s) required to make the new word and have the learner blend it. For example, change 'mat' to 'mit', by replacing the 'a' with an 'i'.
  4. Continue doing this until you have completed the word chain.
Suggested script
"I'm going to change a sound, I'd like you to blend the word."

Common Issues & Prompts

Issue: Learner decodes a word incorrectly

  • Do this: Bring the learner’s attention back to the incorrect word and support them to blend it again and/or explain the spelling pattern to them.
  • Example: The word is ‘rage’ and the learner says “rag”. Model continunously blending the word, stretch it out slowly “raaaaaage” so all of the sounds are discernable, prompt the learner to do the same.
  • Example: The word is ‘page’ and the learner says “payg”. Explain that in this word the spells the /j/ sound. Prompt them to try again, applying this knowledge.
  • Then: Move on to the next word, you can also revist the word again at the end of the chain.

Additional Tips

  • Support your learner as much as needed to practice their blending skills by modelling continuous blending or blending words with them. Reduce the support as their skills develop and they become more confident.
  • Avoid sounding out in segments like /m/ /a/ /t/ – continuous blending is a more efficient method for decoding.

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