Word Attack: Spot ‘n Dot
General Word Knowledge Strategies
Eagle Eye reminds a reader to look at the pictures or illustrations.
Lips the Fish reminds a reader to use their mouth muscles and get ready to say the word aloud.
Skippy the Frog reminds a reader to skip the word, continue to read the next sentence or two, then go back to re-read.
Tryin’ Lion reminds a reader try again and re-read.
Meaning Bird reminds the reader to ask themselves if what they read makes sense.
Helpful Kangaroo reminds a reader to ask for help if they have tried some of the above strategies.
Specific Work Attack Strategies
Each of the following Word Attack Strategies have a separate blog with step-by-step instructions.
Chunky Monkey reminds a reader to break the word into smaller pieces or chunking.
Flippy the Dolphin reminds a reader to flip the vowel sound from long to short or short to long.
Sliding Seal reminds a reader to cover the word, then slowly slide hand from left to right.
Spot ‘n Dot reminds a reader to Spot ‘n Dot vowels. This assists with finding syllables. See Syllable Division Rules for helpful tips.
Stretchy Snake reminds a reader to stretch out a word.
Click on image for Spot ‘n Dot pdf
Word Attack: Spot ‘n Dot
For Decoding through Expert Readers
GOAL: To break a word into syllables, then pull back together.
Materials:
Index cards; 3x5 or 5x7
Word Box OR Ring
if using a Ring, punch a hole in upper corner or center of card
Select words; 2-syllable and 3-syllable work well for this activity
Coxhead Academic Words
Reading Vocabulary
Word Lists
A pdf form for Spot ‘n Dot is available - just click on the image above.
MODELING:
Ask the child(ren) to spot the vowels in the given word and place a dot underneath each vowel.
v e l v e t
Have the child(ren) look at the consonants between the vowels.
v e l v e t
Decide where to break the word:
v e l / v e t
Have the child(ren) pronounce each syllable. Then repeat at a quicker pace to pull the word together.
TIPS:
Review Syllable Division Rules.