Stretch & Snap Words

Stretch & Snap Words

I have said the words, "Stretch the word" thousands of times and is such a useful and easy tool kids use to sound out unknown words. When young readers sound out words for the first time, they slowly say each letter sound and then say the sounds quickly to "read" the word. This skill is necessary to begin reading. Stretching a word is not an intuitive skill for your child, so it is very helpful to have a tangible object to stretch as your child simultaneously stretches a word. There are many ways you can practice this skill, but this is one is my favorite.

For this activity, you only need a stretchy toy! Give your child a stretchy toy and show them a picture card or simply say a short word aloud at a regular speed. Show your child how to do this activity by stretching the elastic toy apart as you stretch the word saying each sound slowly. Then, snap the toy back together as you say the word at regular speed. Then, have your child stretch the toy as you stretch the word. If a word is too difficult, toss it aside and use a word with less sounds. Do not allow your child to struggle. Finally, when they are ready to do it on their own, watch and applaud them for learning this new and valuable skills.

Note: Letters/sounds b, d, k, g, p, t, j, and ch should not be stretched so that they are not distorted.

FREE Picture Cards Printable