37. Three syllables, accented on the first: amity, vanity, dignity

The lesson, step by step

1. The pattern

   Three beats, the first one strong: "AM-i-ty", "DIG-ni-ty". The first syllable is closed by a consonant, so its vowel is short. The last two syllables are quick and light.

2. Read the table aloud

   Read the table aloud together, a column at a time. You say a word, your child says it back while pointing to it. Then your child reads a column alone. Some of the words:

   amity, jollity, enmity, sanity

   vanity, balcony, dignity, deputy

3. Spell aloud by syllables

   Spell each word a syllable at a time, the way Webster's pupils did: spell the first syllable and say it, spell the next and say it, then say the whole word.

   Sayv, a, n, van; i, i; t, y, ty; vanity.

   Sayd, i, g, dig; n, i, ni; t, y, ty; dignity.

   Do a column this way while looking, then cover it and spell a few from memory.

4. Read the sentences

   The sentences at the top of the page come first. Read them together:

   We burn coal in a grate.

   Dig up the weeds and let the corn grow.

   Bees live in hives and collect honey.

5. Dictation

   Say each word, use it in a short sentence of your own, and say it again. Your child writes it. Try these: amity, enmity, vanity, balcony, dignity, deputy.

   Check together against the book. Any word that came out wrong goes on a card for tomorrow.

6. Review

   Finish with the cards from earlier days: your child reads and spells each one. Put a card away after three right days in a row.