Using Nonsense Words with Readers

Mig. Nup. Clag. These are nonsense words. I’ve been using them with readers for 12+ years now. And I’ve been asked several times why I do.

So today, I’m tackling the subject of using nonsense words {and defending them…to a degree} with readers.

Be sure to click on the teal download button to grab a printable nonsense word list.

 

Using Nonsense Words with Readers

Yes. It’s obvious. We don’t use nonsense words {also known as pseudo words} when we read. So why in the world would I ever suggest we use them with readers?

Let’s take a look at decoding for a second. By the way, decoding a word is just a fancy way of saying a learner can correctly deconstruct and reconstruct a word to pronounce it correctly.

 

Decoding a word is mix of two things important skills:

1- understanding that letters/letter combos make certain sounds and
2- understanding how to manipulate and blend those sounds together to make a word.

 

What’s interesting to me is that I’ve watched skilled, young readers tear through a list of real words without even batting an eye.

This is mostly because they know many of the words by sight. How do I know this?

Because when I give them a list of nonsense words with similar patterns, I see {and hear} the wheels turning a bit more. They have to think a little deeper about the patterns in the word and what sound they create. Then they have to blend those together to form the word.

I love observing the process readers go through when they are trying to decode those made up words. These are observations I believe I would have missed if I only used real words.

If you scroll down, you’ll see a teal download button where you can download this free nonsense word list!

The word list is broken down into 8 different phonics categories so you can differentiate better:

1. CVC Words
2. CCVC/CVCC Words
3. Bossy R Words
4. CVCe Words (Silent e)
5. Long Vowel Teams
6. More Vowel Teams
7. Closed Syllables
8. Open Syllables

Use a cover sheet to cover the words. Readers uncover one word at a time and decode or “read” it. Print an extra copy if you want to use it as an assessment piece. Just write the child’s name and dates of assessment at the top of your copy.

 

 

So, Are there Problems with Using Nonsense Words?

Yes. Why, yes there are.

1. There are several popular assessments that use nonsense words inappropriately, in my personal opinion. How? Nonsense words need to mirror the pattern of real words.

For example, the ability to decode words like lev or coj have no true value, because we don’t have words in the English language that end with just v or j.  Decoding a word like mig or nup would have value because these words mirror patterns you find in real words such as wig or cup.

2. While using silly words in instruction is okay, I would caution against using them too much. The observations you make when a child is reading made up words can give you guidance in planning your phonics instruction with real words.

3. Make sure readers understand that these are nonsense words. They’re NOT going to make sense. Instruct them not to try to make them sound like real words.

 

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 Phonics Word List Quick Phonics Assessment

 

 

 

 

Enjoy!
~Becky