9. Tom's nag

The lesson, step by step

1. Warm up

   Turn back to Lesson VIII. Point to the new words at the top and have your child read them:

   it is stand lamp a mat Ann's mat

   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.

   Tom nag not him catch he his

   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. The ch sound

   Point to ch in catch.

   SayThese two letters together say ch, like a sneeze: ch, ch.

   Think of other ch words together: chin, chop, chick.

4. 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:

   See the nag! It is Tom's nag.

   Can Tom catch his nag?

   He can not catch him.

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

5. Talk about the picture

   SayLook at the picture together. What do you see?

   SayA nag is an old word for a horse. Why can't Tom catch it?

6. Slate work

   Your child copies a few of the new words onto the slate: Tom, not, his. If there is a line in script (handwriting) on the page, read it aloud together and copy it instead.

7. Spell aloud

   Close the book. Say each word and your child spells it aloud: Tom, not, his. Then open the book and check.

8. Wrap up

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