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F.2 Recognize similar words

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Recognizing the Same Words

Recognizing the same words means being able to tell when two words are exactly alike. This is a very important skill for learning to read, as it helps you notice the small details in letters and sounds that make words different or the same.

Examples:
  • The word cat and the word cat are the same.
  • The word dog and the word bog are not the same.
  • The word red and the word red are the same.
Remember!

To know if two words are the same, you need to check if every letter is identical. Look at the letters one by one, from left to right.


Looking Closely at Letters

Sometimes, words can look very similar but are not the same. It's important to look closely at each letter to spot the differences. Just one different letter can change a word completely.

How to spot differences:
  • The word cat has the letters C-A-T.
  • The word cut has the letters C-U-T.
  • They both start with a 'C' and end with a 'T', but the middle letter is different. This means they are not the same words.
Keep in Mind

Don't be fooled by words that rhyme or sound similar. The only way to know if two words are the same is if they are spelled with the exact same letters in the same order.


The Importance of Reading from Left to Right

When you read, you always move your eyes from the left side of the page to the right. This is a rule that helps you read words correctly. When you are trying to find matching words, you also need to read them from left to right to make sure they are a perfect match.

Reading direction matters:
  • The word on has the letters 'o' then 'n'.
  • The word no has the letters 'n' then 'o'.
  • Even though they use the same letters, they are not the same word because the letters are in a different order.
Keep This in Mind

The order of the letters is just as important as the letters themselves. Always check the sequence of the letters to see if words are identical.


Fun Ways to Practice

1. Word Matching Game

Create flashcards with pairs of matching words. Mix them up and have a child find the two cards that have the same word on them.

2. Letter-by-Letter Check

Give a child two words and ask them to point to each letter and say its name. They should say "C... A... T..." for the first word and then do the same for the second. This helps them see if the words are a match.

3. Find the Pair

Write a list of words on a whiteboard or paper. Circle one word and ask the child to find the other word on the list that is exactly the same and circle it too.

Keep It Fun

Using games and hands-on activities helps reinforce this skill in an engaging way. Practice can be a lot of fun!