Beginning Kindergartners first start reading short vowel words. To teach using systematic phonics instruction, gradually introduce one short vowel at a time (a_ as in apple, i_ as in igloo, o_ as in octopus, u_ as in up and e_ as in elephant). Click the link below for a FREE short vowel word list pdf for beginning readers. To begin using this short vowel word list document, your student needs to know letter sounds. Here it is:
This short vowel word list document can help guide you as you teach your beginning reader.
Decontextualized word lists help your student learn to read, because they ensure that he reads sound-by-sound and does not rely on pictures or the first letter alone. They also help your student build strong decoding skills. Word lists can help your student transfer his reading skills to the real world, as he sees that his reading ability is not dependent on guessing or memorizing.
While word lists are necessary, they are not sufficient. This short vowel word list document is but one activity among many. There are several other key aspects of an effective lesson. Be sure to do other phonics activities each lesson including: reading phonics books, sound card review, new sound introductions, sound chart mastery, phonemic awareness activities, sight word introduction, and spelling sound-by-sound.
The document contains multiple lists. Use one list per day. As you can see, the student gradually acquires new phonics sounds and gradually handles greater volume. Since your student’s fluency will improve, he should be able to handle reading more words per lesson. These lists are at the beginning Kindergarten level. Phonics sounds are introduced in the same order as Reading Elephant Sets 1-5 printable phonics books.
Never say the word before your student. Let him try to read sound-by-sound on his own.
Do not say the words before the student. Offer no clues or hints. You want your student to do well, so it’s tempting to try to help him before he makes an error. However, this will only hinder your student in the long-term. Let your student try to read each word sound-by-sound first. Give him some autonomy. Do not mouth the words with him.
Let him make mistakes. If he makes an error, correct him immediately after he is completely done with his first attempt. Highlight the sound he missed. Give him a chance to correct his error.
I hope the short vowel word list pdf helps guide you as you teach your beginning Kindergartner.
Reading Elephant offers printable phonics books.
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