Word decoding is the best way to teach a reluctant reader to read. Decoding is the process of using known words to figure out unfamiliar words. It is based on looking for and seeing small words inside larger words. For struggling students, it demystifies reading, removes the fear factor and starts them on the road to becoming fluent readers.

Most importantly, word decoding gives a struggling student a learning tool to tackle his/her fear of reading aloud. When faced with a word that he or she doesn't know, instead of going into panic mode, their eye quickly scans for the small words that they recognize. Almost immediately, they begin to read independently with more confidence and less dread.
Should they stumble over a word, simply point out the 'small words' within the unfamiliar word thereby helping them decode it (break it into smaller segments).

Using decoding word lists is the best method to learn to read fluently. Though the student can't initially read the word, they do usually know how to use the word in conversation and so they just need to recognize and decode the written word that they already have in their speaking vocabulary.

Method: Students highlight the small words within the larger words.
eg. Using"an" and the 'an' family of words = an = can = scan.
eg. From the 'an' family = dance = nonattendance.

Struggling readers enjoy working with Word Decoding Worksheets and feel a great sense of accomplishment when they can read and independently recognize word patterns. Young children, in particular, like to rhyme so they enjoy the review and repetition of word families. However, the benefits aren't limited to young learners. Once mastered, this same technique gives a mature student the skill and ability to recognize word prefixes, root words and suffixes, etc. supporting ongoing comprehension.

Supporting both struggling and special needs students, Teach All Kids is committed to providing both free and member-only worksheets and usage advice based upon proven techniques that help your child or student to be more successful. Those choosing to become members will have immediate access to over 1900 additional teaching resources.