Presentation

  1. 1

    Show the child a list card and point to the top word.

  2. 2

    Read the first word, pointing under each letter.

  3. 3

    Move your finger to the next word and read it.

  4. 4

    Invite the child to read the rest of the list, pointing as they read.

  5. 5

    When the child finishes, ask them to read the list once more, a little faster.

  6. 6

    Offer a new list with a different vowel on a later day.

Extensions, easiest to hardest

  1. Mixed-vowel lists
  2. Word family lists where only the first letter changes
  3. The child writes their own list of words that rhyme

Control of error

The adult listens as the child reads; there is no picture key.

Ready to move on when the child…

  • Reads a list of ten CVC words without sounding out every letter
  • Reads mixed-vowel lists accurately

Try “pink tower”, “tummy”, “diaper”, “grace and courtesy”, or “October”.