Word Attack: General Strategies

Advanced Word Attack Strategies

For Decoding through Expert Readers

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 above image for pdf

General Word Knowledge Strategies

For Emergent through Expert Readers

GOAL: To offer an array of different strategies to “attack” an unknown word.

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.

A pdf form for General Strategies is available - just click on the above image.