This interactive approach not only makes learning fun but also reinforces the skill of finding the known in the unknown. By regularly practicing with these cards, students become more proficient at decoding words on their own, fostering greater independence.
Find the Chunk is bananas (wink). As educators, we constantly strive to equip our students with the tools they need to become independent readers. The journey from guided practice to independent reading can be challenging, but with the right strategies, it becomes manageable and even enjoyable. Once taught as finding the pieces you know, the monkey and banana theme catch your readers eye and keeps them focused.
One such strategy is “Find the Chunk” with Chunky Monkey, a decoding method that helps students identify familiar chunks within unfamiliar words, making the reading process smoother and more autonomous.
This strategy can be seamlessly integrated into small group instruction or intervention sessions, offering a fun and effective way to enhance reading skills.
Here’s how you can implement it using anchor charts, cards with known chunks highlighted, cards for finding chunks, and independent practice.
Using Anchor Charts
Anchor charts serve as a visual reminder of the strategies and concepts students are learning.
When introducing Find the Chunk, create an anchor chart that features Chunky Monkey and a banana scooping out chunks from words.
There are three anchor chart options: one with the picture and title, one with the picture, title, and question, and one with the picture, title, and example with banana scoops (in the blog title picture).
This chart can illustrate different word chunks and provide examples of how to find these chunks in various words.
Display this chart prominently in your classroom where students can easily refer to it. During small group instruction, point to the anchor chart to reinforce the strategy.
Over time, students will internalize the process of finding chunks, making it second nature. Anchor charts not only support visual learners but also serve as a constant reinforcement of the strategies being taught.
USING CARDS WITH KNOWN CHUNKS HIGHLIGHTED
Cards with known chunks highlighted are an excellent resource for reinforcing the Find the Chunk strategy.
First, known chunks are smaller words within larger words (all in hall, am in jam, ill in spill).
Create a set of cards that feature words with the known chunks highlighted in a different color. These cards can be used during small group instruction to help students quickly identify and isolate the chunks within words.
By practicing with these cards, students become more adept at recognizing familiar patterns, which boosts their confidence and decoding skills.
You can also encourage students to use these cards during independent reading time, providing a bridge between guided practice and autonomous reading.
Using cards to find chunks
In addition to cards with highlighted chunks, create another set of cards where students have to find the chunks themselves.
These cards can present a word without any highlighted segments, prompting students to apply the Find the Chunk strategy independently.
During small group sessions, you can use these cards in a game-like format, where students earn points or rewards for correctly identifying the chunks.
This interactive approach not only makes learning fun but also reinforces the skill of finding the known in the unknown. By regularly practicing with these cards, students become more proficient at decoding words on their own, fostering greater independence.
independent practice
The ultimate goal of any reading strategy is to promote independent practice. Once students are comfortable using Find the Chunk with guided support, encourage them to apply this strategy during their independent reading time.
Provide them with a variety of texts that contain words with familiar chunks and challenge them to find these chunks as they read.
You can also create a Find the Chunk journal where students record the chunks they discover in their reading.
This reflective practice helps solidify their understanding and allows them to see their progress over time. By consistently using Chunky Monkey, students will develop stronger decoding skills, leading to greater reading independence and success.
The Find the Chunk strategy is a powerful tool that aligns with the science of reading, offering a practical and engaging way for students to decode words independently.
By incorporating anchor charts, highlighted chunk cards, chunk-finding cards, and opportunities for independent practice, educators can create a supportive environment that empowers students to become confident and proficient readers.
Try integrating Find the Chunk into your instruction and watch as your students’ reading skills flourish.
If you would like a free anchor chart, sign up below for an automatic download.
