Introduction
The most important thing I have ever learned about word identification is that PHONICS needs to be the basis of all of the work you do with students. Take a quick moment to orient yourself to the topic. Click & listen!
Sounds
The new science of reading reinforces for us the need for the mapping of sounds onto the letters. One caveat: never force letter sound correspondences if a child is not yet ready for it. Instead, use phonological awareness strategies to build a foundation first.
Small Parts
We learn how children have a natural tendency to look for small parts they know. We need to reinforce this tendency and build it into the larger strategy.
Clues
Although this part of the strategy has a complicated history, it is a wonderful final step for the strategy. We never want students to guess before they attend to all of the symbols and sounds, but using clues to confirm what you have read is powerful and links directly to later need for comprehension strategies.