Our focus right now is on Look Alikes, those visually similar words that can confuse readers. This picture of two special first graders remind us how tricky it can be when things look alike! Many words in our language look like other words (want/went, there/here, has/have, looked/looks). Readers need to be mindful of these slight differences because a mistake with one of these words can radically change the meaning of a story.

There are several approaches that can help readers avoid getting tricked by Look Alikes and improve their accuracy. One way is to use a reading finger underneath the words during reading. This will slow down quick moving eyes and help tune the brain into letter/sound details. If your child is reluctant to do this, try using the Mirror Approach, using your finger above the words while your child mirrors or slides underneath. Another approach is to encourage your child to read aloud, staying alert for reading that doesn’t make sense and then fixing up the mistake. With Look Alikes, the first letter is sometimes the same (look/like), but the middle or end letters are different. Building awareness of these words can be helpful. If your child is making these kinds of errors, try some of the strategies listed above. When your child rereads the page or book, give specific praise for successful reading of these tricky Look Alikes.

Happy Thanksgiving!