 | Tips for parents using Action Words.If your school is using Action Words they may have sent home the Action Words homework sheet. We've anticipated some of your questions below but if you have more please do add them to the comments. |
Why does Action Words use actions?
Traditionally whole word reading was taught through a 'look and say' approach.
Look at the word, say it, remember it.
The child's brain uses the sight and auditory pathways to send a word to long term memory.
By adding an action we add in one more pathway to long term memory. the kinaesthetic (muscle sense) pathway.
Muscle memory is a very powerful pathway. We don't forget how to swim, ride a bike, knit, write etc.
By linking all three pathways we make it more likely that the word will be remembered and we'll create a mental word bank.
Look at the word, say it, remember it.
The child's brain uses the sight and auditory pathways to send a word to long term memory.
By adding an action we add in one more pathway to long term memory. the kinaesthetic (muscle sense) pathway.
Muscle memory is a very powerful pathway. We don't forget how to swim, ride a bike, knit, write etc.
By linking all three pathways we make it more likely that the word will be remembered and we'll create a mental word bank.
Why is there an emphasis on fun?
The best emotional state for learning is - happy. Stress can shut the brain down and prevent learning. So our activities are designed to be fun, silly and entertaining for both you and your child. If you're not having fun, they won't have fun. If they're not having fun the learning won't be as effective. If the last reading experience is stressful the child won't look forward to the next.
 | How do I start?Choose a time that's fun for both of you. Cut up the words and pictures and lay them face up. It's important that your child feels in charge during these first steps. Make them the boss. This reduces stress and the need to get it right first time. The activities can be done one per night and should only take about five to ten minutes. |
Introducing new words
Activity 1
Child : Points to any picture or word.
You: Do the action (and say the word) or say the word (and do the action) they have pointed at.
Continue until your child has pointed to each word and picture at least twice.
Activity 2
Child: Picks a picture, does the action and says the word if they can remember it.
You: Find the word, say the word.
Activity 3
Child. Says a word.
You: Find the word, do the action, say the word.
Child: Finds the picture to match, does the action, says the word.
Activity 4
Child: Asks you to match each word and picture, saying each word and doing each action.
You: Match them but get some wrong so that your child can correct you.
Activity 5
Child: Matches each word and picture. Doing the action and saying the word
Child : Points to any picture or word.
You: Do the action (and say the word) or say the word (and do the action) they have pointed at.
Continue until your child has pointed to each word and picture at least twice.
Activity 2
Child: Picks a picture, does the action and says the word if they can remember it.
You: Find the word, say the word.
Activity 3
Child. Says a word.
You: Find the word, do the action, say the word.
Child: Finds the picture to match, does the action, says the word.
Activity 4
Child: Asks you to match each word and picture, saying each word and doing each action.
You: Match them but get some wrong so that your child can correct you.
Activity 5
Child: Matches each word and picture. Doing the action and saying the word
Revising words
This is a great activity to play at the beginning of each session as more and more Action Words are learned. it builds confidence by beginning with what has been learned and progressing to what needs to be learned.
Use some or all of the Action Words learned so far. Lay them face up.
Child: Quickly matches any known words and pictures, demonstrating the action and saying the word. Put these to one side.
Use the words that are left.
Make your child the teacher.
Child: Picks a picture, demonstrates the action and says the word.
You: Pick up the matching word (sometimes pick up the right word, sometimes the wrong one, children love correcting adults!)
Continue until all of the words have been matched.
Use some or all of the Action Words learned so far. Lay them face up.
Child: Quickly matches any known words and pictures, demonstrating the action and saying the word. Put these to one side.
Use the words that are left.
Make your child the teacher.
Child: Picks a picture, demonstrates the action and says the word.
You: Pick up the matching word (sometimes pick up the right word, sometimes the wrong one, children love correcting adults!)
Continue until all of the words have been matched.
Build Action Words into your daily routine
| Use our posters to play fun games by displaying them in the bedroom or kitchen. Get the family to join in at mealtimes or bedtimes. Spot them in books, on notices etc. Make reading fun. |  |
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