Strategies for Decoding Words

1. Try a long vowel (the name of the letter) when:

• there is a silent e (example: came)

"The silent e is bossy. It says, "Say your name!"

• there are two vowels together (example: cream)

"When two vowels go a walking, the first one does the talking and says its name."

• there is only one consonant after a single vowel (example: agent).

2. When there is a "y" on the end...

• of a single syllable word, try the long i sound (try)


• of a multisyllabic word, try the long e sound (family)

3. Cover and read one syllable (or even on sound) at a time in difficult words

(example: fre quent ly)

Test Tips

1. Get enough sleep.
2. Eat a healthy breakfast.
3. Read the questions before the passages.
4. Mark key words.
5. Eliminate wrong answers.
6. Ask yourself, "What are they asking?"
7. Select the best answer.
8. Pace yourself.
9. Check your work for accuracy and neat bubbling.

Suggestions for Successful Studying

1. Work in a quiet, well-lit place, on a flat surface.
2. Study for twenty minutes at a time; then take a small break.
3. Review your work with an adult or older sibling.