When a child comes to an unknown word he/she will often ask, “What’s this word?” Many parents are confused about what to do in this situation. There are times when it’s appropriate to simply give them the word. However, in the early stages of reading development it is critical that children learn to utilize a variety of different strategies to help them decipher unknown words.


There are different strategies that are helpful to readers. If a child tries one strategy and still can’t read the word, he/she can be prompted to try other strategies. The goal is for children to internalize these strategies and automatically apply them while reading.

1. Wait 5-10 seconds to see what attempts are made. Ask your child, “What would make sense?“
2. Use the picture to help figure out the word.
3. Look at how the word begins.
4. Look for a chunk. (Is there a small word or a word family that you recognize within the word?)
5. Sound out the word. (Say the sounds and blend them together.)
6. Cover the ending (-ed, -ing, -ly) with your finger and try the word.
7. Skip the word and read on (to the end of the sentence). Then figure out what would make sense.
8. Go back and read the sentence again.
9. Ask for help.

When your child deciphers a word, you might ask what strategy was used. Telling about his/her reading helps to reinforce and internalize learning, which assists your child in becoming an independent reader. Always praise your child’s effort!