79. Three syllables, accented on the second: retirement, concealment

The lesson, step by step

1. The pattern

   Three beats, middle strong: "re-TIRE-ment", "con-CEAL-ment". Most are a verb plus -ment: retire, retirement; conceal, concealment. The verb keeps its silent e before -ment (retirement, enticement).

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:

   demeanor, retirement, remainder

   enticement, impeachment, enforcement

   encroachment, concealment

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.

   Sayr, e, re; t, i, r, e, tire; m, e, n, t, ment; retirement.

   Sayc, o, n, con; c, e, a, l, ceal; m, e, n, t, ment; concealment.

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

4. Keep the e

   Compare with No. 75: before -al the e of "arrive" was dropped (arrival). Before -ment the e stays (retirement). Your child adds -ment to: amaze, excite, retire.

5. Read the sentences

   Under the table are short reading lessons that use its words. Your child reads them aloud, pointing to each word. Help with any word not yet learned. Two of them:

   The bright stars without number adorn the skies.

   God will forgive those who repent of their sins, and live a holy life.

   Remainder is that which remains or is left.

6. Dictation

   Say each word, use it in a short sentence of your own, and say it again. Your child writes it. Try these: retirement, remainder, enforcement, concealment.

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