Word Attack: Choice Boards
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 Choice Boards pdf
Word Attack: Choice Boards
For Decoding through Expert Readers
GOAL: To examine words in a variety of ways.
Materials:
Choice Board
Paper or provided Form
Select words;
Coxhead Academic Words
Reading Vocabulary
Word Lists
Optional
Index cards, 3x5 or 5x7
Word Box OR Ring
if using a Ring, punch a hole in upper corner or center of card
Pdf forms for Choice Boards are available - just click on the images above.
MODELING:
Select ONE choice box to model.
Begin the Word Knowledge Choice activity with 2 to 3 pre-selected words.
Ask the child(ren) to select the next word and complete a sample.
Check the individual’s work.
Allow the child(ren) to complete the rest of the activity, being available for questions.
TIPS:
It is helpful to model each activity on the Choice Board prior to individual work.