As a reading interventionist at an upper elementary school, my heart has hurt for countless students who, despite their age and grade level, still struggle with foundational reading skills. One common hurdle is decoding multisyllabic words, those long, complex words that can feel like stumbling blocks on the path to reading fluency and comprehension. But what if I told you that these students can catch up and thrive with targeted instruction?

The Science Behind Reading Intervention

Reading is not a single skill but a complex web of interconnected abilities. The Science of Reading, a body of research that has evolved over decades, highlights the importance of explicit, systematic instruction in phonological awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. For older struggling readers, this means revisiting and strengthening foundational skills that may have been missed or misunderstood in earlier grades.

Focusing on Multisyllabic Words

Multisyllabic word decoding is a critical skill for older readers. These words often represent more abstract concepts and academic vocabulary, essential for understanding complex texts across all subject areas. When students struggle with multisyllabic words, it impacts their fluency, comprehension, and overall confidence as readers.

However, research shows that explicit instruction in syllable types, common prefixes and suffixes, and morphological awareness (understanding how word parts combine to create meaning) can significantly improve students’ ability to decode and understand these complex words.

Targeted Intervention Strategies

• Systematic Instruction: Break down multisyllabic word decoding into manageable steps, introducing syllable types and affixes in a logical progression.
• Explicit Modeling: Demonstrate how to break down words into syllables, identify meaningful word parts, and apply decoding strategies.
• Guided Practice: Provide ample opportunities for students to practice decoding multisyllabic words with your support and feedback.
• Independent Practice: Gradually release responsibility to students as they gain confidence and independence.
• Progress Monitoring: Regularly assess student progress and adjust instruction as needed to ensure they are making gains.

The Power of a Multifaceted Approach

Reading intervention is not a one-size-fits-all approach. Older struggling readers benefit from a multifaceted approach that addresses all areas of reading, including fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. By incorporating engaging texts, differentiated instruction, and ongoing support, we can empower these students to become confident and capable readers.

Introducing Word Attack: Decode Multisyllabic Words

I’m excited to share a resource specifically for upper elementary, middle, and high school students who struggle with multisyllabic word decoding. Word Attack is a comprehensive teaching resource that includes nine carefully designed interventions, each broken down into manageable 15-20 minute sessions.

Key Features of Word Attack:

• Systematic Instruction: Lessons are designed to introduce vowel sounds, word parts, and affixes in a systematic and logical order.
• Small Group Focus: The program is ideal for small group instruction (4-6 students), allowing for targeted practice and personalized feedback.
• Connected Text: Each intervention includes a related text that provides opportunities for fluency practice, comprehension checks, and meaningful discussions.
• Teacher Guide: A comprehensive guide provides scripts, teaching tips, and additional resources to support successful implementation, even for those new to teaching foundational skills.

Word Attack: Your Secret Weapon for Reading Success

As a reading intervention teacher, I’ve seen the transformative power of Word Attack in helping students unlock their reading potential. This program is not just about decoding words; it’s about building confidence, improving fluency, and fostering a sense of success with reading.

If you’re looking for an effective and engaging way to help your upper elementary, middle, or high school students master multisyllabic word decoding, I invite you to check out the Word Attack: Decode Multisyllabic Words growing bundle on TpT. It’s currently available at its lowest price, with new lessons added monthly. Invest in your students’ literacy success today!