Just Words Wilson Lesson Plans for 3rd Grade

Exploring Syllables, Vocabulary, and Reading Fluency

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Learning Objectives

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By the end of this lesson, you will:

• Understand different types of syllables
• Decode words using syllable types
• Expand vocabulary with base words and suffixes
• Improve reading fluency and comprehension

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Introduction to Wilson Reading System

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What is the Wilson Reading System?

The Wilson Reading System is a structured literacy program designed to help students improve their reading and spelling skills. It focuses on teaching the structure of words and how to decode them effectively.

Introduction to Wilson Reading System

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Purpose

The program is used to build a strong foundation in reading by focusing on phonemic awareness, word structure, and vocabulary.

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What is a Syllable?

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Understanding Syllables

A syllable is a single, unbroken sound of a spoken (or written) word. Syllables are the building blocks of words and help us break down words to read and spell them more easily.

Example

The word 'apple' has two syllables: 'ap' and 'ple'.

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Closed Syllables

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Characteristics of Closed Syllables

• Ends with a consonant
• Contains a short vowel sound

Example

The word 'cat' is a closed syllable because it ends with a consonant 't' and has a short vowel sound 'a'.

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Activity: Identify Closed Syllables

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Instructions

1. Look at the list of words.
2. Identify which words have closed syllables.
3. Write down the words and underline the closed syllable.

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Word List

• Stop
• Begin
• Jump
• Basket
• Nap

Discussion

Which words have closed syllables? How do you know?

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Open Syllables

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Characteristics of Open Syllables

• Ends with a vowel
• Contains a long vowel sound

Example

The word 'go' is an open syllable because it ends with a vowel 'o' and has a long vowel sound.

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Activity: Identify Open Syllables

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Instructions

1. Look at the list of words.
2. Identify which words have open syllables.
3. Write down the words and circle the open syllable.

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Word List

• He
• Silent
• Music
• We
• Go

Discussion

How do you identify open syllables?

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Importance of Syllable Types in Decoding

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Why Syllable Types Matter

Understanding syllable types helps us decode words more easily. Knowing whether a syllable is open or closed can help us determine the vowel sound and pronounce the word correctly.

Importance of Syllable Types in Decoding

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Real-World Application

When you come across new words while reading, recognizing syllable types can help you read them smoothly.

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Base Words

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What are Base Words?

Base words are the simplest form of a word, without any prefixes or suffixes. They are the root from which other words can be formed.

Example

The base word 'play' can be used to form 'playing', 'played', and 'player'.

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What are Suffixes?

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Understanding Suffixes

Suffixes are letters added to the end of a base word to change its meaning or grammatical function.

Examples

• '-ed' turns 'play' into 'played'
• '-ing' turns 'run' into 'running'

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Activity: Match Base Words with Suffixes

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Instructions

1. Look at the list of base words.
2. Match each base word with the correct suffix to form a new word.

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Base Words

• Jump
• Talk
• Read

Suffixes

• -ed
• -ing

Discussion

What new words did you create?

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Practice: Build Words using Base Words and Suffixes

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Instructions

1. Choose a base word.
2. Add a suffix to create a new word.
3. Write a sentence using the new word.

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Example

• Base Word: 'play'
• Suffix: '-er'
• New Word: 'player'
• Sentence: 'The player scored a goal.'

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Word Cards for Building Multisyllabic Words

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What are Word Cards?

Word cards are tools that help us visualize and manipulate parts of words to form new ones. They make it easier to build and decode multisyllabic words.

How to Use

Arrange the cards to form words, focusing on syllable types and base words.

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Activity: Use Word Cards to Create New Words

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Instructions

1. Use the word cards provided.
2. Arrange the cards to form new multisyllabic words.

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Example

• Card 1: 're'
• Card 2: 'play'
• New Word: 'replay'

Discussion

What words did you create?

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Decoding Multisyllabic Words

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How to Decode

1. Break the word into syllables.
2. Identify each syllable type.
3. Use the syllable types to determine the vowel sounds.
4. Blend the sounds together to read the word.

Example

The word 'unhappy' can be broken into 'un', 'hap', 'py'.

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Activity: Decode Multisyllabic Words with a Partner

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Instructions

1. Pair up with a partner.
2. Choose a multisyllabic word.
3. Work together to decode the word using syllable types.

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Example Words

• 'unbelievable'
• 'misunderstood'
• 'discovery'

Discussion

How did you decode the words?

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Partner Reading for Fluency Practice

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What is Partner Reading?

Partner reading is when two students read a text together, taking turns. It helps improve reading fluency and comprehension by providing immediate feedback and support.

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Partner Reading for Fluency Practice

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Benefits

• Increases reading confidence
• Enhances understanding of the text
• Builds listening skills

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Activity: Partner Reading Session

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Instructions

1. Pair up with a partner.
2. Choose a short story or passage.
3. Take turns reading aloud to each other.

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Discussion

• How did reading with a partner help you?
• Did you understand the story better together?

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How Partner Reading Helps in Understanding

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Key Benefits

• Encourages discussion about the text
• Provides opportunities for peer learning
• Helps identify and correct reading errors

How Partner Reading Helps in Understanding

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Real-World Application

Partner reading can be used in everyday reading practice to enhance comprehension and fluency.

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Review: Syllable Types

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Closed Syllables

• End with a consonant
• Short vowel sound

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Open Syllables

• End with a vowel
• Long vowel sound

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Importance

• Helps in decoding words
• Assists in correct pronunciation

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Review: Base Words and Suffixes

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Base Words

• Root form of a word

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Suffixes

• Added to end of base words

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Vocabulary

• Expands by forming new words

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Summary: Key Takeaways

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What We Learned

• Syllables are the building blocks of words
• Closed and Open Syllables help in decoding
• Base Words and Suffixes expand vocabulary
• Partner Reading improves fluency and comprehension

Moving Forward

Continue practicing these skills to become a more confident reader.

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Activity: Quiz to Consolidate Learning

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Quiz Time!

Test your knowledge with a short quiz:

1. What is a closed syllable?
2. Give an example of a base word and a suffix.
3. How does partner reading help you?

Discussion

Share your answers with the class and discuss any questions.

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Closing: Encourage Practice and Exploration

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Keep Practicing!

• Explore new words and their syllables
• Practice reading with a partner regularly
• Use word cards to build vocabulary

Final Thoughts

Reading is a journey. Keep exploring and discovering new words every day!

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