84. Words ending in -graphy and -cracy: geography, democracy

The lesson, step by step

1. The pattern

   Four beats, second strong: "ge-OG-ra-phy", "de-MOC-ra-cy". Two endings recur: -graphy (writing or drawing about something) and -cracy (rule by someone). In -graphy, ph says f.

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:

   supremacy, theocracy, democracy

   conspiracy, geography, biography

   topography, typography

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.

   Sayg, e, ge; o, g, og; r, a, ra; p, h, y, phy; geography.

   Sayd, e, de; m, o, c, moc; r, a, ra; c, y, cy; democracy.

   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 go with No. 116:

   A fraction is a part of a whole number.

   Caution is prudence in the avoidance of evil.

5. Dictation

   Say each word, use it in a short sentence of your own, and say it again. Your child writes it. Try these: supremacy, democracy, geography, biography.

   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.