A picture code can give children repeated practice looking up a letter and keeping the letters in order. Teach the key first, then use short words or familiar names so children can read and check the result.
At a glance
Model one lookup, start with a short code, and read the decoded word together.
1. Find one picture in the key
Show a picture from a card and find the same one on the alphabet key. Point to the letter next to it and say its name.
2. Move left to right
Cover the later pictures if the child loses their place. Write or place one letter under each picture before uncovering the next.
3. Check repeated symbols
When a picture appears twice, ask which letter it gave earlier. Let the child check the key if they want to confirm it.
4. Read the completed word
Blend a decodable word or read a familiar name. Ask students to point back to the letters that helped them read it.
5. Make a short code for a partner
Choose a known word and use the editable cards or paper tiles to build the code. Have a partner decode it before you add more letters.
A classroom example
In a fictional first-grade group, Asha looks up the same picture twice and gets two different letters. Her partner points out that the icons match. Asha finds the pair in the key and fixes the second letter.
Companion printable
The 16-page editable PDF contains 27 cards, an illustrated alphabet key, paper picture tiles, a recording sheet, and setup directions.
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