Some will say that it’s not ‘guessing’, but this word was used by Goodman and Clay themselves to describe what they thought good readers do. If it’s not decoding from left to right, it’s guessing.
You’ll also see some say that they don’t teach three cueing, and this may be the case, as it is what children will naturally do when presented with text that they cannot decode. The use of early levelled readers is hugely problematic because it encourages bad habits in struggling readers, even if it is unintentional on the teacher’s part.
I felt it was important to share this poster (Skippy Frog, Eagle Eye, and Friends) because sometimes we may not realise that these characters are based on the three cueing system. If you're using or displaying them in your classroom, it's likely you're unintentionally reinforcing those strategies—even if that's not your intent. It's always worth revisiting what the research says and reflecting on how we support our early readers. Full disclosure - I had one of these posters up in my own classroom back in the early 2000s! Know Better - Do Better.
Your point on levelled readers is very well made Dee and spot on!
I printed them as bookmarks! I remember explaining the 3 sources of information to a parent and knowing in my gut that I was wrong. It was a lightbulb moment for me. #KnowBetterDoBetter
Jen, you have explained this misconception beautifully which will be especially helpful to those teachers who are venturing into this territory for the first time 🙏🏻.
Your readers might be interested in the video I recorded on this topic: https://youtu.be/gWbzdVhJy7c?si=Y6qmvYukO6Oa7opK
This is a fantastic resource for anyone looking to know more on this topic.
Some will say that it’s not ‘guessing’, but this word was used by Goodman and Clay themselves to describe what they thought good readers do. If it’s not decoding from left to right, it’s guessing.
You’ll also see some say that they don’t teach three cueing, and this may be the case, as it is what children will naturally do when presented with text that they cannot decode. The use of early levelled readers is hugely problematic because it encourages bad habits in struggling readers, even if it is unintentional on the teacher’s part.
I felt it was important to share this poster (Skippy Frog, Eagle Eye, and Friends) because sometimes we may not realise that these characters are based on the three cueing system. If you're using or displaying them in your classroom, it's likely you're unintentionally reinforcing those strategies—even if that's not your intent. It's always worth revisiting what the research says and reflecting on how we support our early readers. Full disclosure - I had one of these posters up in my own classroom back in the early 2000s! Know Better - Do Better.
Your point on levelled readers is very well made Dee and spot on!
I printed them as bookmarks! I remember explaining the 3 sources of information to a parent and knowing in my gut that I was wrong. It was a lightbulb moment for me. #KnowBetterDoBetter
Jen, you have explained this misconception beautifully which will be especially helpful to those teachers who are venturing into this territory for the first time 🙏🏻.
Thanks Ciara. Feel free to share.
Thanks for this Jen, powerful! Shared with our Dyslexia group in NDI. 👏🏻