A picture code gives children a reason to listen closely for the first sound in a word. Teach the code one picture at a time, then help the group read the sentence they uncover.
At a glance
Name the picture, listen to the first sound, and use the picture key when the word is unfamiliar.
1. Show how the code works
Choose one clear picture and say its name. Stretch the first sound, choose the matching letter, and write it under the picture.
2. Agree on picture names
Look at the picture key before starting. If a child calls a picture by another reasonable name, supply the name the code uses.
3. Solve a short word together
Move left to right and say each first sound. After the letters are filled in, blend or read the word aloud.
4. Look at the whole sentence
Read the completed message and check whether it makes sense. Point out the opening capital and the ending mark already provided by the puzzle.
5. Copy a useful part
Copy the sentence or one selected word. Keep the decoding success visible even if the student needs support for writing.
A classroom example
In a fictional kindergarten group, Niko calls a picture a sofa and writes s. His teacher points to the key and supplies couch. Niko hears the first sound, changes the letter, and reads the completed word.
Companion printable
The 35-page PDF has thirty fall and Thanksgiving puzzles, an illustrated alphabet key, teacher directions, and answer pages.
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