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Find out moreThe following question came up on Catch Up® Literacy training: What should I do if a pupil adds extra words when reading?
Do you have pupils who do that? It’s almost as if the printed words are just a hint about what should be read! These pupils often add in extra words or change the order of the words. If we can pinpoint why they are doing it, then we can help them to kick the habit.
Could it be visual stress?
One thing to check out is whether the pupil has some minor eye imbalance? Maybe they’re finding it hard to focus on the printed word on the page. Some pupils find black font on a white background creates visual stress. Try placing a coloured overlay on the page and see if this improves the accuracy of matching reading to print.
Try to identify the effect of the ‘extra’ words.
Do the additional words embellish the text but do not essentially change the meaning?
For example, the text says: She was putting on her socks.
The learner reads: She was putting her socks on her feet.
On the plus side, this is a good indication that the pupil is reading for meaning, but there are occasions where accurate reading of the words on the page is crucial for comprehension, particularly when reading non-fiction.
Alternatively, are the additional words just random and change the meaning?
For example, the text says: She was putting on her socks.
The learner reads: She was putting over here her socks.
In both cases, we need to guide the pupil to read only the printed words.
Tips for helping pupils read what is written on the page
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