23. The cow with the bell

The lesson, step by step

1. Warm up

   Turn back to Lesson XXII. 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.

   soon neck way bell one their

   For short words, sound them out together, slowly, then fast. 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:

   The cows are on their way to the barn.

   One old cow has a bell on her neck.

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

4. Talk about the picture

   SayLook at the picture together. What do you see?

   SayWhich cow has a bell? Where are the cows going?

5. Slate work

   Your child copies a few of the new words onto the slate: bell, neck, way. 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: bell, neck, way. 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.