• Welcome
  • Blog
  • Shop
  • Learning Apps
  • Alphabet
  • Learn to Read
  • Phonics
  • Spelling
  • Struggling Readers
  • Comprehension
  • Writing with Kids
  • Free Printables

This Reading Mama

Fun & Creative Pointers: Matching Voice to Print

By thisreadingmama 5 Comments

fun and creative pointer-matching voice to printMatching voice to print is milestone in learning to read.  When a child is just beginning to read (and even into 1st or 2nd grade), he tends to finger point at words as he reads.  This is normal and okay.  For a quick tip on helping older students move past finger pointing, see the end of the post. 

Just the other day, while perusing through the $1 bins at Target (like I do every time I go), I noticed those little witch fingers.  I was so excited to pick up a package.  No, none of my kids are going to be witches for Halloween.  BUT…they’ve been using them ever since to point to print as they read; especially NJoy (a few days shy of 4 years old).

DIY reading pointers for matching voice to print{permission granted to use photo}

Pointers don’t have to be fancy or expensive.  As a matter of fact, sometimes the best ones are homemade or recycled.  Here are a few ideas on DIY reading pointers:

  • Halloween Fun Pointers for Reading {Pragmatic Mom}
  • Fancy Feathers {Creekside Learning}
  • Popsicle Stick Pointers {Creekside Learning}
  • Decorate Your Own Popsicle Sticks {Pink and Green Mama}
  • DIY: Paint Sample Bookmarks {Bookworms Read More Books}*
  • Recycled Bubble Wands as Pointers {This Reading Mama}
  • Fun erasers, magic wands, fun reading “glasses” (with the lens out-great to purchase at the $1 store)-all suggestions by Busy Kids Happy Mom and 3 Dinosaurs

holding place on each line as reading*As students get older, finger pointing can be a hindrance to fluency.  Struggling readers may still feel the need to finger point.  Here’s a quick tip to help them move beyond it: take a popsicle stick or a bookmark and turn it sideways.  Students can use it to hold their place on the line and move it down each row of words as they read.

Like what you see? You can join This Reading Mama via RSS, Facebook, Twitter, or email! You can also follow me on Teachers Pay Teachers to receive updates when I post FREE, new downloads.
 

~Becky

 

Want MORE Free Teaching Resources?

Join thousands of other subscribers to get hands-on activities and printables delivered right to your inbox!

Filed Under: Homeschooling, Learn to Read, Struggling Readers

« Easy to Make Sight Word Puzzles
Guest Posting at The Momma Knows »

Comments

  1. Jackie Higgins says

    October 10, 2012 at 7:47 am

    Great idea for a post. Wonderful round up of ideas! I like that you can change them seasonally and keep the interest high!

    Reply
    • thisreadingmama says

      October 10, 2012 at 7:49 am

      Good point, Jackie!

      Reply
  2. Julie @ Creekside Learning says

    October 10, 2012 at 9:05 am

    The witch fingers for pointing! I love it! We will be doing that today, just unpacked our Halloween decorations and have several of those fingers. Thanks for including our feather and popsicle stick pointers. 🙂

    Reply
    • thisreadingmama says

      October 10, 2012 at 1:41 pm

      You’re welcome. Enjoy your witch fingers. 😉

      Reply

Trackbacks

  1. The ABCs of Learning Toys and Manipulatives: P-T says:
    November 18, 2013 at 5:55 am

    […] POINTERS- You can buy one like this (we have one of these) or create your own pointers […]

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

JOIN MY NEWSLETTER

and get free printables!

Sign me up!


Hi! I’m Becky, a homeschooling mama with 4 blessings who keep me on my toes {and knees}. Before homeschooling, I was a classroom teacher (M.Ed.) and reading tutor. Read more about me here.

Let’s Get Connected!

  • Email
  • Instagram
  • YouTube
  • Pinterest
  • Facebook
  • Twitter

  • Home
  • Start Here
  • Subscribe
  • Shop
  • Checkout
  • Privacy
  • Affiliates

Copyright © 2023 · Designed by Visibilia Media