Answer Questions

Study Guide: C. Weaver chapter: “From Word Perception to Phonics, and Beyond” in Reading Process and Practice.

Before Reading:

Think about this question: "Assuming that ‘sound-it-out’ means left to right processing, why is ‘sound-it-out’ not an effective or efficient strategy?"

During reading, look for information in the chapter that may help you to answer that question. Answer the following questions:

1. Read pp. 172-174. Don’t get too bogged down by terminology and technical descriptions. Do look for information about saccades and eye fixations.

Briefly define saccades and eye fixations.

Based on what you read, what is the relationship between the eyes and the brain?

2. Read pp. 175 – 178. Be sure to do the activities within this section.

Based on what you read and the activities, what did you learn about what which parts of letters /words are more salient, i.e. the parts we notice first/most?

3. Read pp. 178-183. Be sure to do the activities. Think about the earlier question about sound-it-out – assuming left to right processing. What did you learn in this section that would help you to answer that question?

4. Read pp. 183-186. Again, thinking about “sound-it-out” as left to right processing, what did you learn that indicate that “sound-it-out” is not an efficient or effective strategy?

5. In the next section, pp. 186-189, read the sections on “Cognates” and “Dialects”; think about the examples. What did you learn that helps you answer the question about “sound-it-out” not being an effective or efficient strategy? Give several examples.

6. Read pp. 189-197. Think about “phonics rules” / “phonics generalizations”. What does this section tell you about phonic rules and exceptions? Give several examples.

7. Read pp. 197 – 209. This section is about the development of phonics knowledge. What strategies might be more efficient and effective than “sound-it-out”?

8. Look at the lists of conclusions from research on pages 209 and 210. Which 3 of these conclusions provide support for why “sound-it-out” is not an effective strategy? Why do you think so?