Cheating in a relationship can be a devastating experience, leaving one partner feeling betrayed and hurt. If you suspect your spouse is cheating, it can be difficult to confirm your suspicions without concrete evidence. However, there are signs and behaviors that may indicate infidelity. In this article, we will discuss how to tell if your spouse is cheating and what you can do about it.
Continue reading Facing the Truth: How to Deal with a Cheating Spouse10 AI Art Prompt Ideas to Ignite Your Creativity
Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing the world of art. It has opened up a whole new world of possibilities for artists and creatives who want to explore the intersection of technology and creativity. However, even the most imaginative artists can sometimes hit a creative roadblock. That’s where AI art prompts come in https://promptsideas.com/ – these prompts can help you overcome creative blocks and inspire you to create something truly unique. Here are 10 AI art prompt ideas to ignite your creativity:
Continue reading 10 AI Art Prompt Ideas to Ignite Your CreativityThe coolest cases from CS:GO to open in 2022
Within Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, skins can be found by three methods. They can be retrieved from a case, bought from others, or crafted. Read our blog to learn all the nuances to “yellow Gaben’s Box” and learn which cases are most profitable to open.
Which of the cases are most profitable?
There are a lot of player csgo best case to open 2022. Some are linked to operations, while others simply appeared in the game with new skins. However, regardless of this variety, all cases contain elements in the same amount.
If you open a hundred cases, you’ll receive around 80 Mil-Spec skins. approximately 16 restricted skins, about 3 Classified skins, and only one Covert skin or rare item. And the chance of getting an item of rare quality, gloves or knife is less than the probability of pulling an Covert skin. This information was published by Valve and verified by the community that has been involved in the game’s game calculation in real-world.
It is important to note that Counter-Strike: Global Offensive is not a game with pity mechanics, as opposed to other games featuring random item fallout. Let us give you an example. In Genshin Impact the ninetieth attempt to get a five-star character is always successful. The game Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, even for nine hundred cases, you’ll obtain neither a knife or gloves, or the USP-S conditional character Traitor.
This brings us to the conclusion that it is impossible to open cases and make profits for yourself. Each key required to open a box costs the equivalent of two cents and 50 cents. To remain in the black it is necessary to take the skins that are rare from the best cs go case to open 2022 repeatedly.
So, if you want a cool knife or, for example, AK-47 Redline, it’s better to avoid spending money on opening cases, and just purchase the thing you’re looking for. You can do that on our site and it comes with a number of handy filters and an improved preview.
If, after all that, you’re interested in best case to buy in csgo 2022, these are the five options that will be most fun to play with and also have the greatest chance of winning the prized skin.
Use Bloodycase.com Promo Codes to open these cases
- BLCLIST01
- BLCGZOD
Wildfire Case
One of the most popular cases can be found here https://bloodycase.com/case/wildfire.
Operation Wildfire Case Operation Wildfire Case is a weapon case that was released on February 17, 2016 update, along it Operation Wildfire as an exclusive reward for users of passes. The case also features the exclusive case Bowie Knife which can be granted with a very slim chance.
Operation Broken Fang Case
The case is interesting for the low cost, about 50 cents and nice contents. There are just three skins available for guns that are not popular: Dual Berettas Dezastre, M249 Deep Relief and G3SG1 Digital Mesh. All other options are fantastic. And if you’re lucky enough to are lucky enough to win the lottery and receive a special item it will be 24 sets of gloves.
Here you can find websites with daily free skins https://skinkings.com/daily-free/
CS20 Case
This case debuted during the gameplay on 18 October, 2019, and was scheduled to coincide with the 10th anniversary of the Counter-Strike series. It’s a bargain costing just 20 cents on the Steam Marketplace. The contents are interesting for two reasons. The first is that it includes nostalgic skins. A second, and rare item in the case is the Classic Knife, which replicates the look of knives from earlier installments in the series.
It is possible to purchase such a knife from an CS20 case. If you’re lucky, you’ll have an expensive and scarce knife. If not, the bitterness from spent money is tempered by nostalgia that comes from skins.
Fracture Case
The inside of the Case there are fifty knives as well as almost 200 of coolest skins. The case itself costs about 20 cents. To be reminded that each case opens with the use of a key. Keys sell at $2.50.
Let’s start by looking at the knife. The knives in the case are Nomad Knife, Paracord Knife, Skeleton Knife and Survival Knife. These are relatively rare knives. Some items have a enormous collector’s price. For instance there are certainly two StatTrak(tm) Skeleton Knife Crimson Web FNs in the game right now. The most sought-after knife, worth many thousands in dollars.
The remaining skins included in the case aren’t of collectible value. However, these are among the most beautiful items to be found in the game, in terms of workmanship. Consider for instance the AK-47 Legion of Anubis!
Glove Case
Another one of the glove cases. It was inside the Glove Case the accessories first came out. Since their introduction in the game the case has significantly priced up. The yellow boxes are now priced at most 1.5 bucks through the Steam Marketplace.
In spite of that, it’s still the cheapest case that includes gloves. It’s the Hydra Operation case (which includes Bloodhound gloves, hand wraps Slaughter, as well as every additional pair of gloves) is at least $11 on the Marketplace.
So if you want gloves, but for some reason you don’t want to purchase them, you must definitely look into Glove Case. Glove Case.
How SERM Your Brand
SERM is a term that is used to describe what it is. The acronym refers to Search Engine Reputation Management. It is a term used to describe reputation management for search engines. The key is using specific strategies and tools to make positive perceptions of the person, store or company to the audience you want to reach. This can be done by working directly of the photo “from scratch” and the manipulation of negative images already in use.
What is the search engine reputation management cost? You can find more information in this article.
Therefore, SERM is a powerful method to dispel negative opinions about the business. There’s a lot of negative content in the present, especially when there is a lot of competition. Reputation management won’t assist in removing the negative content entirely however, it can help to even the playing field in order to “whiten” the company is it is a good idea.
The distinction between SERM and ORM
Online Reputation Management is a broad and extensive reputation management. Specialists who work implement a range of strategies, such as SERM. In this method the image is built from a wide range of sources:
- Profiles and publics of companies on social media;
- Specialized websites where reviews are published;
- Forums on thematic topics specifically created to discuss products, companies, etc.
In general, ORM is associated with the branding appearance as well as SERM is a bit later. This is due to the fact that Online Reputation Management is aimed at all the sources of online reputation, with no emphasis at the very top. The SERM specialists focus on those at the top. It’s a matter of preference however, without the primary tool, there is no place. Even if you only do in search, you will find forums, publics , and other sources, where the negative can still be dominant over the positive.
How does SERM impact the transformation of the site?
Reputation management online is not just a factor on the customer’s perceptions but as well on sales numbers. Thus you can see a direct correlation in terms of conversion. This is because of the following reasons:
- buyers tend to purchase after reading reviews and they are more likely to visit only the first few pages of the review;
- the opinions of other people create more credibility than merely an item’s description on the website;
Negative comments attract more attention than positive ones.
Resolving negative emotions and promoting an enjoyable experience for customers are two key elements of the SERM strategy. This directly impacts on conversion rates: a good rating boosts trust in the company and drives people to purchase.
Stages of SERM
Now that you know what SERM is called – SERM. Let’s now examine how to use it. Most experts execute the following checklist of tasks in order:
The analysis of the content currently available
It is essential to search at the search results’ topmost to find the needs of the business and look for negative opinions, reviews, or comments. It is essential to identify both genuine and false.
The research of competitors
Attention should be given to those at the top of the results of searches. Experts analyze both the negative and positive aspects of their competitors and determine the reasons they aren’t able to satisfy their customers.
Making a plan
It is crucial to write every positive and credible information about the business, which must be made available to the intended audience. Specialists search for appropriate websites to publish articles, posts, and make the list of requirements for promotions.
Optimizing the result
After a set period of time, it is possible to evaluate the accomplishments. Particularly, any changes to the results of searches and their effect on the image of the business and the attitudes of the audience being closely monitored. If everything goes as planned the team is still working on the strategy they have developed. If there aren’t any positive improvements and the circumstances have changed the strategy is revised.
Utilizing forums and social networks.
The ability to overcome negativity online is crucial. If you can fill in the gaps and encourage new branches to be promoted with positively-themed content, this will even off the negative comments.
Online reviews are a great way to get feedback
This is where you are able to react to reviews from other customers but not only negative reviews. It’s likely that you’ve seen a shop thanking you for the positive review. You ought to do that also. However, negative reviews are dealt with in a strict manner.
The advantages and disadvantages of SERM
- The primary benefit of this tool is its capability of making or changing an image for the business. Its advantages be a part of the following:
- review analysis can help identify the issues and pains of the customer, thereby effectively removing the weaknesses of the service or product;
- The conversion rate rises;
- it is possible to improve customer loyalty because of the established feedback.
There are disadvantages too. The most significant one is that it has a low impact, without the need for additional tools. As mentioned earlier, SERM is best used together with ORM.
Conclusions
SERM – This is something which can be very beneficial in the removal of negative feedback and replace the negative feedback with positive. However, it is only implemented through a multi-step approach and a well-trained team. Reputation management requires time and dedication. It’s not an event where you’ve done all the work and have been happy with the outcome for a long period of time. So long as SERM specialists are working on SERM, you don’t have to worry regarding the appearance of your business or the products.
There are many kinds of balloons are available to purchase
Latex Balloons
- The main types of latex balloons include “pastel”, “metal”, “pearl” and “crystal”:
- “pastel” balloons are matte and offer the widest palette of colors;
- “metal” as well as “pearl” are distinguished by an attractive, metallized, shiny surface;
- Balloons “crystal” are translucent and feature the most brilliant balls with saturated colors.
Pastel balloons are believed to be the most durable . The truth is that metallized and crystal balloons are less stretchy that “pastel” balloons and their lifespan is a third shorter. On the other hand, the appearance of balloons can be significantly affected by temperatures that are high when it is hot. clear balloons “crystal” gradually turn cloudy “metal” becoming less shiny, while “pastel” keeps its original appearance the best.
Latex balloons are available in array of sizes. Manufacturers have them measured in inches: 5′ (12 cm), 9′ (22 cm), 12′ (30 cm), 14′ (35 cm), 16′ (40 cm), 18′ (45 cm) and 40 inches https://balloons.online/balloon-sizes/40-inch-balloons/
The smaller balloons of 5″ as well as nine” balloons are typically used for making garlands, or for decorating (for instance, they’re used to fill surprise boxes). These balloons are not filled with helium because the helium gas has a short lifespan and the balloon will rapidly deflate and then deflate.
The standard dimensions of twelve” and 14″ balloons are the most widely used. They include balls without a pattern or pattern, as well as balls with patterns and balls that have confetti. The color palette is one of the broadest, and balloons can be inflated with air and helium (for ornamentation) and could also be used to create garlands.
Larger diameter balloons of 16″ or 18″ have a great lifting capacity, which allows you to use paper garlands, tassels, and stickers as decorations. Examples from sixteen-foot (40 centimeters) balloons are Golden Glitter confetti balloons, 18′ (45 cm) balloons are balloons of a large size with no pattern.
3′ (70-80 millimeters) Meter balloons measure 70-80 cm, which is the most massive (example). In spite of the name, balloons for meter are usually filled to 70-80 centimeters, because otherwise they won’t be able to fit into the doorway and they are more susceptible to a variety of external influences as well as mechanical damage (the larger the balloon the less the wall). Such balloons can be both opaque and transparent with different kinds of confetti. They are decorated using garlands, inscriptions and even upon their foundations are created huge figures using balloons filled with the gas helium. Examples include A cat, a dog, and a unicorn. giraffe.
Agate Balloons
Agate balloons are balloons with stunning patterns that resemble gemstone patterns. They are created using transparent, colorless 12″ latex balloons by using a special technique with acrylic paint. The design is not repeated and is always unique. Don’t worry, even if such a balloon does burst, paint won’t stain anything around because we allow balloons the chance to completely dry before delivery. Therefore, only our workshops could be in danger while balloons are drying =) That’s why these balloons should be ordered at least one day before the date of delivery/self shipping.
They’re great for photoshoots, memorable gifts, or decorating fancy parties. But, due to the manufacturing process of balloons, the time to fly that balloons can fly Agate balloons is only 3 to 4 days on average. If you must have the balloons fly for a long time, it is best to look into other options.
Confetti Balloons
Confetti balloons are a kind of transparent latex balloons (“crystal”) that have sprinkles of confetti that are added by hand. The confetti could be metallic or paper, with different shapes and sizes, in the same color or different shades. Confetti in a variety of sizes, shapes, and colors can be combined into one balloon. These balloons look stunning and make great props for photo sessions, memorable decorations, or gifts for celebrations, and are sure to bring lots of positive feelings!
Balloons with confetti typically fly a little smaller than regular balloons, as the confetti adds pounds onto the balloon and lowers its lifting power. In addition, as with any transparent crystal ball, the process of latex oxidation is evident most clearly on the confetti balls. With time, the ball becomes less transparent, and cloudy and loses its luster (you can learn more about why this happens here). Under normal conditions (at normal indoor temperatures), this process is not very slow, however, in the summer, under the pressure of high temperatures and exposure to sunlight, the process accelerates dramatically, so during the summer heat and especially if the balloons are to be utilized outdoors, be prepared that they may quickly become transparent, and you may want to opt to use opaque balloons if do not want to take the risk.
There are two ways to make these balloons: using the HiFloat treatment (so the confetti is evenly distributed inside the balloon and the balloon itself can fly longer than without treatment) as well as without the HiFloat process (then the confetti is located in the middle of the balloon and can move freely inside the balloon however the flight of these balloons lasts only 12 hours).
Foil Balloons
Foil balloons generally last longer than latex balloons and do not require HiFloat treatment since their material is not able to allow molecules of helium to rapidly leave the balloon. Foil balloons will slowly deflate without losing their attractive appearance and, if handled with care they can be reinflated using air (yourself using tubes) or helium! Additionally, foil balloons are great for putting personalized inscriptions by using stickers. This is because, on their smooth surface, the sticker adheres evenly and can stay on longer.
Foiled balloons without a pattern may be in shapes like a heart, star or circle, crescent, 3D sphere, crystal hand branch, cube, etc. They look great in sets when combined with latex balloons and confetti balloons!
There are also a variety of balloons made of foil with all sorts of drawings along with “walking balloons” that contain helium but do not rise high into the sky due to tiny weights that are invisible – they start “walking” while living life from any air movement.
How to Date a Single Woman With a Child
Many men find dating a single mom scary. And most of the time, it’s not about the child, it’s the responsibility that comes with them. Mothers with children are determined and don’t want to spend their life on empty promises with wishy-washy partners. They don’t like “situationships” and cowardly dates who flee as soon as they hear the word “divorced.” On a positive note, single women with children are mentally strong, sexy, and attractive. Here is a guide on how to date divorced women with children and what things you should avoid at all costs.
Haven’t found your hot mom yet? No worries, you can seek here: https://bebemur.com/
How to date a single mom with a child
1. Approach her slowly
Sometimes single moms have trust issues. They don’t like hopping into relationships without a reason. Why? Even if they are not against quick dates, introducing new male friends to their child might be traumatic. So you should think twice before approaching a single mom. Are your intentions serious enough?
2. Ask about her kid
Kids are every single mom’s precious soul. They amuse moms and make their life have an additional purpose. Since children mean the world to single moms, you should consider asking more questions about her closest friend. What is his or her name, how old is the kid, what are their hobbies? Once you get to know them better, you can compose all this information into one image (telepathically.) And if you plan to date some more, it can be good ground for picking presents/activities together.
3. Interact with her kid
Even if you haven’t seen each other yet, ask your date to give gifts from you. These can be sweets, toys, clothes, and other little things here and there. Not only will you be a good person for helping a single mother out, but you will also appear an attentive gentleman who sees this woman more than your sexual interest.
4. Meet the child in real life
Once you get to know each other better, you can invite a family for a joint activity, be it a walk in the park or a picnic. If a mom doesn’t mind, you have won a jackpot.
5. Don’t be intrusive
If your date doesn’t want to move that fast, understand her. Not that she doesn’t trust you yet. It’s normal to keep the most precious human being from everyone’s eyes, especially if you haven’t been dating for too long. Don’t show up at houses uninvited and expect a greeting.
6. Don’t school her child
Many men might feel like the child needs a father figure whose lead they can follow. It’s undeniably true, but only to a certain extent. Some children indeed need a stepdad, but your role is limited to a friend who can only help out and lead. Since you aren’t either a biological father or a primary caregiver, schooling her kid or, God forbid, scolding them, will lead to elimination fast.
7. Don’t push the child
A kid doesn’t need to call you a father or stepdad. They can call you by your first name, nickname, or whatever they are inclined to. Kids don’t need to define their role the same way as you do. They might simply feel uncomfortable confessing about having “a new dad” each time you pick them up at school.
8. Don’t push the mom
Your date can keep it playful and stay just friends/sex partners. If she doesn’t introduce you to the family yet, no need to worry. It’s a transitional period everyone should go through. Insisting on meeting the whole family would only make things worse.
9. It’s not always about kids
Single moms want to stay desirable at all times. You don’t need to fall into this dynamic. Express interest, but don’t be too fastidious. You’ll have your time.
10. Don’t worry if the child doesn’t understand you yet
Easy as that: preschoolers and teenagers are scared of new people around the house. If they protest, it’s not a perpetual hatred. Give the kid some time to like you, and it will be alright.
Setting Up A Reading Nook – 5 inspiring ideas
Children need to be encouraged to develop a love of reading and what better way than setting up a cosy area in your home or classroom as a reading nook.
In this last blog of the “reading series” we share 5 inspiring ideas that will have children wanting to curl up with a book in no time. All these ideas are simple, inexpensive and easy to recreate in the home or classroom.
If you have missed the first two blogs of the “reading series” please click on the links below to catch up on what you have missed.
Reading Strategies to teach children 4- 9 year olds
Concepts about Print – 22 concepts that all parents and teachers need to know
Use a tent
A tent inspires children to be transported into an imaginary world that is separate from their daily routine. You can decorate it how you wish and it is easy to set up in any space. There are many tents for sale in shops at the moment or some creative people might find a pattern online and create their own. Fill the tent with cushions and blankets and have the children’s reading books close by.
Using book shelves
Using book display shelves is a great way of storing even the largest of book collections. It is easy for a child to see which book they want and an effective way of keeping all the books in a neat way on the wall. Rotate the books continually so children have new books to select from. Book display shelves are inexpensive and can be bought from many shops including IKEA. This would work really well in a child’s bedroom, a play room or on a wall inside the classroom.
Create a space within a space
Children love to feel like they have found a secret room so why not create one at home or in the classroom. A secret room can be made with curtains, bunting or any other material lying around. Display books in the secret space with comfortable seating that children really want to sit in. Involve the child in putting the room together and have books on a rotating system.
Reading bench
Using an old bookshelf, turn it on the side and buy some foam to go on top of it. Buy some material to go over the foam and put some cushions on it. You may also have an old mattress (like a cot mattress) that you could use instead. If you prefer the reading bench to be off the floor screw in some legs at the bottom of the shelf. Put the collection of books on the shelves underneath. If you attach wheels to the bottom it will become a movable reading bench.
Choose a theme
Use your child’s interest to create a unique spot for them to read. There are so many free printable templates online that you can use to create a great reading nook with any theme. This would also work well in a classroom as it can relate to the theme that the class is studying. You can incorporate reading tubs or reading shelves nearby to hold the book collection.
This concludes our reading series blogs. Hopefully you have been inspired to create your own reading nook in your home or classroom. We will be starting a new Mathematics series of blogs soon so stay tuned.
If you would like to read some more blogs from this author please click on the links below.
20 ways to help your child learn their sight words
Literacy in the Primary classroom: Lower Case Letter formation
20 ways to help your child learn their sounds
Until next time …
Kelly Pisani
Concepts about Print – 22 concepts that all parents and teachers need to know
Welcome back to Creating A Learning Environment. This is our second blog in our new reading series. If you missed last weeks blog, which was the first blog in the series, click on the link below to read it.
Reading strategies to teach children 4- 9 year olds
This blog is all about the essential concepts about texts that children need to know in order to become successful readers. These concepts develop over time and it is hoped by the end of Kindergarten most children would know all 22.
Below is an outline of what each concept is, how you can check if your child knows each concept and a free concepts of print table that you can print off and use with your child or children in your classroom.
The concepts of print can be categorised into five sections.
Section 1 – Book concepts
1. Identifies front of book – does the child know where the front cover is?
2. Identifies back of book – does the child know where the back cover is?
3. Identifies the title – can the child find where the title is?
Section 2 – Reading Concepts
4. Words carry meaning – does the child know that we read the words and not the pictures?
5. One to One correspondence – can the child point to each word when an adult is reading?
Section 3 – Directionality Concepts
6. Identifies the beginning of the text – can the child point to the beginning of the text on the correct page?
7. Left to right and top to bottom – does the child understand that we read left to right and top to bottom?
8. Return Sweep – does the child know that when you finish one line you go down to the next line, starting on the left?
Section 4 – Letter and word concepts
9. First word on page – can the child point to the first word on the page?
10. Last word on page – can the child point to the last word on the page?
11. Identifies one word and two words – can the child point to one word and then show two words with their fingers?
12. First letter in a word – can the child show the first letter in a word?
13. Last Letter in a word – can the child show the last letter in that word?
14. Identifies one letter and two letters – can the child point to one letter and then show two letters with their fingers?
15. Naming 3 letters on the page – Can the child name and point to three letters?
Section 5 – Punctuation marks
16. Capital letter – can the child point to a capital letter on the page?
17. Lower case letter – can the child point to a small letter on the page?
18. Full stop – can the child name this punctuation or identify why it is used?
19. Question mark – can the child name this punctuation or identify why it is used?
20. Exclamation mark – can the child name this punctuation or identify why it is used?
21. Comma – can the child name this punctuation or identify why it is used?
22. Quotation marks (Speech Marks) – can the child name this punctuation or identify why it is used?
If you are checking to see if your child or a child in your class has an understanding of each concept you can use the questions below to guide you. You can pick any book with large print and ask a few questions for each page. Do not try and ask all questions on one page. Ensure you read the child the story as well so it is an engaging task for them. You can start the session by asking them to help you learn about books.
Concept | What to ask |
Identifies front of book | “Show me the front of this book.” |
Identifies back of book | “Show me the back of this book.” |
Identifies the title | “Show me the name of this book or story.” |
Words carry meaning | “Show me where I start reading.” |
One to One correspondence | “You point to the words while I read the story.” (Read slowly, but fluently). |
Identifies the beginning of the text | “Show me with your finger where I have to begin reading.” |
Left to right and top to bottom | “Show me with your finger which way I go as I read this page.” |
Return Sweep | “Where do I go then?” |
First word on page | “Use your finger to show me the first word on this page.” |
Last word on page | “Use your finger to show me the last word on this page.” |
Identifies one word and two words | “Move your fingers until I can see one word. Now, show me two words.” |
First letter in a word | “Show me the first letter in a word.” |
Last letter in a word | “Show me the last letter in a word.” |
Identifies one letter and two letters | “Move your fingers and show me one letter. Now, show me two letters.” |
Naming 3 letters on a page | “Show me three letters that you know on this page and tell me the name of each one.” |
Capital letter | “Use your finger to show me a capital letter.” |
Lowercase letter | “Use your finger to show me a small letter.” |
Full stop | “What is this called?” or “What is this for?” |
Question mark | “What is this called?” or “What is this for?” |
Exclamation mark | “What is this called?” or “What is this for?” |
Comma | “What is this called?” or “What is this for?” |
Quotation marks (Speech marks) | “What are these called?” or “What are these for?” |
The questions above can be used every time you read with your child. You wouldn’t ask all these questions each time but you may pick a few to focus on. It is important for children to know how texts work in order to have a great start as a beginning reader.
Below is a free card that we have made that you may want to put in your child’s book or somewhere in the classroom as a reference point for you. Click on the document link and simply print.
We hope you have found this article insightful and helpful. Next week the third blog of the reading series will be uploaded. If you would like to read more from this author please click on some of her recent articles below.
10 Ways To Help Your Child With Math
10 Ways To Help Your Child Learn To Read
How to increase your child’s achievement through a “growth mindset”
Until next time …
Kelly Pisani
Reading strategies to teach children 4 – 9 years old
When we start teaching children to read, it is essential that we give them the “tools” to be successful. The main purpose when teaching a child to read is that they develop their level of comprehension. There are many elements that affect comprehension such as fluency, level of vocabulary, field knowledge (Are they familiar with the concepts that the text presents eg Antarctica or a circus?), reading strategies and their critical thinking skills.
This blog is the first article in our new series about the little details every parent and teacher needs to know about reading. In the blog today, we are focusing on 12 strategies that children must be taught to be able to work out unknown words.
Successful readers are confident at using many of these strategies and are able to select the correct one to use when faced with an unknown word. Many children plateau on a reading level because they have insufficient strategies. Their strategies may work at lower level texts but as the text gets more complicated they need to develop other strategies.
Below is a list of the 12 strategies with a brief description about each. How many of these does your child use?
1. Look at the Picture
The child needs to do a “picture walk” through the book before reading it. Ensure that they understand what could be happening. Get the child to look for clues in the picture to help them decode an unknown word.
2. What sounds are in the word?
Try not to use the words “sound it out”. Encourage your child to look for all the familiar sounds they know and put them together. eg ing, sh, er, br, ough
3. Look for smaller words within the word
Encourage your child to find smaller words in the unknown word that may help them. Eg homework
4. Break word into syllables
Breaking the word up will help the task of working out the word seem more achievable for your child. eg unbelievable -un be liev a ble
5. Use the punctuation to help
Get your child to look all around the word to see if there are any punctuation clues. A question mark at the end of the sentence could help your child work out what type of word it may start with. Speech marks or quotation marks helps the child realise that it is what the character is saying. This may give them another clue.
6. Go back and read it again
When your child solves an unknown words, especially if it took them a little while always encourage them to go back to the beginning of the sentence and read it fluently to ensure they are reading for meaning.
7. Read on
Children can skip a word and read on until the end of the sentence. This strategy is like a cloze passage and checks to see if they are reading for meaning.
8. Listen to your voice
Many children do not listen to themselves while they read. This is essential at the beginning stages and children need to hear how they sound to check they are saying the correct word. You can even record them reading and play it back to them.
9. Does the word look like another word you know?
Ask your child if they know any other words that look similar and could help them work out the word. eg trough for an animal is like cough. Same sound ending with the same spelling.
10. Imagine what is happening
Get the child to visualise what is happening in the text. This will really help them to connect with what they are reading and work out possible words that may come up. eg Reading about putting out a fire usually would include the words fireman, hose, ladder etc
11. Ask a question
The child can think about a question that might help them work out the unknown word if they are reading for meaning. Eg What is the name of a car that has no roof? = convertible
12. Does it make sense?
Get the child to ask themselves, does their reading make sense?. If it did not then they have to go back and read it again.
Below is a table with all the twelve strategies for you to share with your child and help them to remember what tools they have in their reading tool belt to help them solve unknown words.
(Copyright) Creating A Learning Environment
How to use the table?
- Put colour counters on a strategy each time they use one
- Use it as a memory card that can fit into their home reader. (like a bookmark)
- Talk about two strategies the child is going to focus on by pointing to them.
- When a child gets “stuck” on a word, give them the table and they can choose a strategy to try.
It is important that children can name their strategy that they are using. This helps with their metacognition – deep understanding about the concept of reading. The strategies increase in difficulty but it is important for children to use all strategies to be a successful reader. It can be tempting to just give the answers to a child but they learn nothing from that experience. They need to try and use some strategies themselves to work out the unknown word to experience real learning. As adults, these strategies are built in from years of reading. For a beginning reader (4-9 years old) they need to be explicitly taught.
Next week, part 2 of this blog series will be online. In the meantime if you want to read more articles from this author click on the links below.
20 ways to help your child learn their sight words
20 ways to help children remember multiplication facts.
20 ways to help your child learn their sounds
Until next time…
Kelly Pisani
Kindergarten interviews – What you need to know
It is this time of year that many primary schools commence Kindergarten enrolment interviews with children and their families for the next year. It may seem quite early but most interviews are in full swing across the country.
This can be an anxious time for parents as they are afraid of the unknown. Many parents want their children to “perform” in order to get a place at the school they believe will offer their child the best opportunities. In this blog I share 5 myths about the Kindergarten interview to help shed some light on some of the worries that parents hold.
- Your child will be offered a place if they perform well
Getting offered a place for your child for primary school the following year is determined by many things, but one of them is not how “academic” they are. Most places are offered on catchment area (the proximity that your residential address is from the school) Occasionally state schools do offer places to children who are on the border or have extenuating circumstances. In most faith based schools places are offered in order of what category that you fall into. Category one are baptised children who practice the faith in the Parish area. Category two are siblings of children already attending the school. Category three are baptised children who practice the faith in a different parish area. These three categories are given priority. After the places have been filled by children in these three categories all other children are considered. This includes baptised children who do not practice their faith, children from other faiths and other pastoral reasons.
2. I need to prepare my child for the interview
Parents may feel anxious about the interview because they do not know what to expect. They may feel that they need to “prepare” their child but are unaware of what they need to be focusing on. Firstly I want to say that you do not need to PREPARE your child for activities they may need to do in the interview. Think of the interview as a conversation between the school and family. It is a time for you to ask questions about the school and get a feel for the culture of the school. I would encourage parents to talk to their child about the upcoming interview to reassure the child that they get a chance to have a look at a “big” school. Children like to know about what will happen in order to feel comfortable so mentioning that the the Principal and possibly another teacher may ask them some questions about themselves will put them at ease. That is as much as you need to tell them. Get them excited about this new adventure and rest assure that no matter what happens in the interview places are given by a strict protocol not by what your child says or does not say in the interview.
3. The interview is like an exam
We need to put the interview in perspective. The interview is conducted about 8 months prior to starting school. The principal and other teachers on the panel are well aware that children will change so much in that time. Some children will take leaps in their learning, will mature over that time and really become ready for school even though you can not imagine them at school now. The principal or teacher may ask your child a couple of questions and ask them to do a couple of tasks. This is not a test but simply a basic measure to see where the child is at with their learning and identify any obvious areas that may need further investigation. They may be asked to name some colours, write their name, count some objects and answer questions about their interests.
4. I wont tell them about my child’s need as I fear they will not get offered a place
During the many kindergarten interviews that I have done, this by far is the one that parents are most fearful about. They are worried that the Principal or teacher will see their child’s “true” colours in the interview and as a result will not get a place. It is so IMPORTANT to ensure that the school has a true image on what your child’s needs are. Early intervention is the most successful strategy to helping children develop skills or concepts so it is important that schools are made aware of any current intervention happening. This may even be notifying them about an appointment time to a specialist in the upcoming months. Schools appreciate parents being proactive and by giving the school this information they are able to make the transition for your child smoother and more successful. If the school knows your child’s needs from day one they are able to put strategies in place for your child to help them make the change from preschool to primary school with less stress and anxiety. Remember that children are not given places in regards to their academic skills or behaviour.
5. I do not want to appear silly so I will not ask any questions
The interview is not only a chance for the school to learn more about your child but a chance for you to learn about the school. Ask questions about what you want to know. What features of a school are you looking for? You want to walk out of the school with a really good understanding about what they are on about and the priorities they have. Each school is different and it is important to find one that suits your family.
Hopefully you have found this blog insightful and you are feeling more positive about the upcoming kindergarten interview that you have. Enjoy this experience as you begin this new chapter of parenting.
Until next time …