Click Here To View Introduction Video

Welcome to Word Decoding!

In this section of the site, we will be exploring the various strategies that good readers should use as they come across unknown words.Each strategy can be used independently or in conjunction with the other stratgeies. Truly independent readers decide which of the decoding stratgies will fit the challenge of the unknown word.

A Bit About Me:

My name is Erika Huyck (Hike) and I have been teaching first grade in MCPS for three years. I created this site while acheiving my master's degree and Johns Hopkins University in Technology for Educators. If you have any questions as you are exploring this site, please don't hesitate to email me.
erika_huyck@fc.mcps.k12.md.us

Course Description:

The purpose of this course is to provide support for parents as they are working on word decoding skills with their children. This site can be explored from start to finish or be a "just in time" resource for parents to learn a specific strategy as needed. Reading strategies are being taught in class on a daily basis and this site helps parents use the same terminology as the teacher and provide reinforcement at home.

Learning Outcomes and Goals:

  • The student will be able to identify the four main word decoding strategies.
  • The student will be able to assist their child, while reading as an unknown word comes up.
  • The student will be able to reinforce the use of word decoding strategies at home using the same language as the child's teacher.
  • The student will use practice pages and activities with their child.
  • The student will become a more active participant in their child's aquisition of word decoding skills needed in reading.

Policy, Guidelines, and Procedures:

  • Participation with all links and portions of this site is not mandatory.
  • Give the pre-assessment to find out where your child's areas of growth are.
  • Consult your child's teacher for suggestions on where to begin and how much to work on at home.
  • Remember that after a full day of school, your child shouldn't have to work for more than fifteen minutes on additional learning (outside of homework).
  • Make it fun! Your child will enjoy reading with you and learning with you if you can do this.
  • Email me as you are working on the different portions of the site with constructive feedback. Teaching is a learning experience and this program is always under revision.

Getting To Know You...(if you are within the program Blackboard only)

Please click on the discussion board button on the left side of the screen and add your answer to this question:

What is your favorite book to read with your child? Why?