What is one great strategy to sound out a large word?

Question

How about 2?

Always look at the end of the word first and chop off the suffixes. Most people already know how to pronounce the suffixes and when it is cut off, it makes the word easier to read

Remember that each syllable must have a vowel in it, Find the vowels to find the syllables!

Example:

judicious ju-di cious

carelessness care less ness

Answer 1

In working with my students online, I have noticed if you break the word(s) down into syllables it helps the student to visualize the word in parts. This helps the student not become overwhelmed when seeing unusually long words. I break down the word by drawing lines in between each syllable or spacing in between those syllables and highlighting the part the student is trying to sound out. I have had great success with this. It helps the student to focus. I really enjoy seeing the child/student discover that he/she can read a long word, since when they first saw the word, they may first believe they cannot say it, and sometimes are afraid to attempt it. I enjoy encouraging them and seeing their reaction when they realize it is possible after all. In my many years of tutoring I still find it exciting to see a student’s confidence grow.

Answer 2

You can teach student to tap each sound on their arm. Starting with the first part of the word (take carelessness), hit your shoulder and say 'care' if that is a part of the word the student recognizes. Then hit the middle of your arm for 'less', and your hand for 'ness'. Then go back up to your shoulder and 'slide' down your arm to put the full word together. It may take a few tries and modeling to get the hang of it, but it helps make phonics kinesthetic!