Skill Continuum: Decoding Words in Parts or Chunks Look for groups of two letters that go together to make one sound (ch, sh, th, wh). Break up a word into its first letter and ending (onset and rime) (c-at, r-an, ete.). Lock for short vowel word families and patterns that you know Cen, -ug, ete.) Look for groups of two letters that blend together (dr, cl, ete). Look for groups of three letters that blend together (str, shr, etc.) Break up a compound word into its two smaller words. Look for groups of letters that make one vowel sound (ea, 00, ete.). Look for long vowel word families and patterns that you know (ie. -oke, -al, -eel, -igh, ete.) Break up a word into its syllables. Note: Some of the items on this continuum may be rearranged to meet the needs of the students or texts. "© Alcon Ryan, LearningAt ThePrimaryPond.com