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Naming First Written Words

Naming First Written Words is the third activity in See and Learn First Written Words.

Why do this activity?

Naming First Written Words is the third reading activity in See and Learn First Written Words.

This activity will help your child to:

  • practice reading individual words
  • practice reading two 'key' word phrases

Is this activity suitable for my child?

When your child has completed the previous Selecting First Written Words activity with a set of 4 words, he/she can use the set of words in this activity.

Please remember to read the See and Learn First Written Words guidance before you start this activity.

What do I need?

Materials

Vocabulary selection

Work through the sets of books and words in the order listed on the Naming First Written Words record sheet.

When you have completed Naming First Written Words with the first set of words, you are ready to introduce the next word set and next book(s) into the Matching First Written Words activity, and so on.

When you have completed the first three of the First Written Words activities (matching, selecting and naming) with the first set of words, introduce the next word set into the Matching First Written Words activity, and so on.

How do I do it?

  1. See and Learn - reading and language activities for children with Down syndromeRead the First Written Words book(s) together:
    • Look at the pictures and read the words to your child.
    • Encourage your child to point at each word and read it (by saying or signing the word).
    • You may need to read each word first to your child.
  2. See and Learn - reading and language activities for children with Down syndromeLay down each picture card on the floor/table with the word-side facing up.
  3. See and Learn - reading and language activities for children with Down syndromePoint at one of the words and encourage your child to read it, e.g. ask him/her "what does this say?" You may need to read the word first. Wait, to give your child the chance to either:
    1. reach for or point to a card, or
    2. make an attempt at saying the word, or
    3. make an attempt at signing the word
  4. See and Learn - reading and language activities for children with Down syndromeTurn the card over to look at the picture on the other side, and say/sign the word again. Wait again, to give your child another chance to either:
    1. reach for or point to a card, or
    2. make an attempt at saying the word, or
    3. make an attempt at signing the word
  5. See and Learn - reading and language activities for children with Down syndromeRepeat steps 3-4 with the other three picture cards in turn.
  6. See and Learn - reading and language activities for children with Down syndromeFinish by reading the First Written Words book(s) together again.

What else could I do?

  • Make a 'lift the flap' book, with the picture hidden underneath the written word. Read the word and then lift the flap to see the picture.
  • Show each First Written Words word card to your child. Help him/her to read it aloud and then put it in a box or bag. 

Recording your child's progress

Note the date, activity and words used on the First Written Words session record.
On the Naming First Written Words record sheet:

  • if this was the first time you used the word in this activity, record the date in the 'date first used in activity' column
  • if your child produced any words or signs, record the date in the 'produced sign' or 'produced word' column

There is also a section on the record sheet to note any other words or signs that your child says or signs.

When should I move on to the next activity?

When your child can say or sign the four words in a set consistently (i.e. reads them several times in a row), he/she is ready to move on to the next set of words in the Matching First Written Words activity.

When your child has completed Naming First Written Words for all four sets of words, your child is ready to move on to the final activity, Matching First Written Phrases to Pictures.