Teach Phonograms to Early Readers

An early reader who knows some common two letter phonograms will be able to decode or sound out more words. This may prevent the habit of guessing at too many words. Most children I've tutored with reading had a habit at guessing at words and ignoring most letters. It's hard to unlearn this habit. Guessing at words works with early reader books with lots of picture clues. Readers with guessing habits can't keep up with readers who know how to sound out words starting toward the middle of first grade.

It's so sad to see children who thought they knew how to read find out that they can't and need to find a new way to read. This happened to my daughter in first grade. It was challenging teaching her to change her way of reading.

How many two letter phonograms do you see on these pages? Phonograms are the written representation of a spoken sound. "Sl" is a blend since both letters make a separate sound.

I count six. I could be wrong. (ng is a phonogram)

1. ee

2. ck

3. oo

4. ur

5. ch

6. kn

Mr. Brown Can Moo, Can You? is a book full of common two letter phonograms. My oldest son loved this book. By share reading this book you can teach and have a child practice letter sounds, blends, and common phonograms.

Here's a fun online game to practice common phonograms.

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You can find more free online reading games in a link at the top of this blog.