Red Words are Taught Differently than Decodable Words!

• Teachers follow a specific sequence and instruct on reading AND spelling red words daily. 

• There is a special multi-sensory method used to help students map out and remember the words. For example, students tap the letters down their arm while spelling, write in sand, and spell the word aloud, letter by letter, as they are practicing.

Tips to Practice Red Words at Home

• If your child’s teacher sends home a list of Red Words, practice reading and spelling them each night, or practice from the list by grade level (below).

• Hunt for red words in books.

• Put red words on sticky notes and post up on a wall.  Have your child use a flashlight or pointer to “find” red words that you call out. 

• Write red words in shaving cream, sand, salt, or finger paint.  

• Build red words with play-doh.

• Trace red words over sandpaper or a bumpy surface. 

• Additional Red Word Activities

• CLICK HERE to see Red Words by Grade Level

• CLICK HERE to read about how we teach Red Words at LCPS.

SUPPORTING YOUNG ENGLISH LEARNERS AT HOME

Developed by the team at the Regional Educational Laboratory—West, Regional Educational Laboratory—Northeast & Islands, and Regional Educational Laboratory—Northwest, these activity sheets are designed to provide simple, fun activities families and caregivers can use with children at home. The activities are available in both English and Spanish and can help strengthen language development in either the home language or English. The activities were created activities based on the What Works Clearinghouse practice guide, Teaching Academic Content and Literacy to English Learners in Elementary and Middle School.

IMPLEMENTATION TOOLKITS

Developed by the team at the National Center on Improving Literacy, these toolkits provide practical help for educators, parents, and caregivers who are implementing recommended literacy practices. Multiple toolkits are available and include topics like Understanding Dyslexia, Learning about Your Child’s Reading Development, and Families and Schools Partnering for Children’s Literacy Success.

CBM AT HOME

Developed by the team at FCRR and the Center on Teaching and Learning at the University of Oregon, CBM at home is designed to help educators, parents, and caregivers understand their children's risk for developing reading difficulties in the future. CBM stands for Curriculum-Based Measure. The CBMs are short timed tests that measure important early reading skills, and are available in English and Spanish.

SUPPORTING YOUR CHILD’S READING AT HOME

Developed by the team at the Regional Educational Laboratory—Southeast. This site contains additional family activities and videos to help your child develop language, link sounds to letters, blend letters and word parts to read and write words and read for understanding. The activities were created activities based on the What Works Clearinghouse practice guides, Foundational Skills to Support Reading for Understanding in Kindergarten Through 3rd Grade.