18. The pet bird

The lesson, step by step

1. Warm up

   Turn back to Lesson XVII. Your child reads the new words at the top, then one sentence. Any that are slow go in tomorrow's warm-up too.

2. Meet the new words

   Point to each new word at the top of the page. Say it clearly, then your child says it back. The word list at the top is not clear in our copy's text, so just read whatever is printed there.

   Sound out the short words together. Then mix up the order and ask your child to point to each word as you say it.

3. Read the sentences

   Your child reads the sentences aloud, pointing to each word. Help by sounding out, not by telling, when you can. For example:

   This is a pet bird.

   It will stand on Sue's hand, and sing.

   So do I love it.

   Then read the whole page once more, a little smoother.

4. Talk about the picture

   SayLook at the picture together. What do you see?

   SayWhere does the pet bird live? What can it do?

5. Slate work

   Your child copies a few of the new words onto the slate: pet, sing. If there is a line in script (handwriting) on the page, read it aloud together and copy it instead.

6. Spell aloud

   Close the book. Say each word and your child spells it aloud: pet, sing. Then open the book and check.

7. Wrap up

   Your child reads the whole lesson one last time, or just the favorite sentence. Stop while it is still fun.