My student knows letter sounds, but they can’t read (Part I)

In addition to letter sounds, students have to make connections to memories, experiences, and emotions in order to begin reading. 

Reading is like a three legged stool.  One leg is the letter sounds.  Another leg is what they know about using words and language.  The third leg is memories and emotional connections.  Relying on letter sounds alone will not lead to reading and comprehending.

We’ve already talked about letter sounds in other videos so let's focus on how to build up mental muscles using memories and emotions already familiar to the student. 

• Picture Walk- Whether a book is familiar or not, turn the pages and have the student tell you the story that they see in the pictures.  This forces students to draw on their own emotions and experiences to infer what is happening. When you read it to them, they will say, “I already knew that!” or “I didn’t know that!” That's how you know they are connecting and learning.  
• “I bet you already know!”   Whether working with a book, or daily routines, use every opportunity to make predictions. Making smart predictions is an essential reading skill that comes with practice. Predictions help students have Aha! moments, while learning to trust themselves, use good judgment, and correct mistakes. 

Here’s what not to do:

• Don’t let a student rely only on letter sounds to start reading! Get them to bring what they already know to the process 

So remember, In addition to letter sounds, students have to make connections to memories, experiences, and emotions in order to begin reading.

Reading pictures, inferring and predicting will help them build the connections they need to read.