Word identification skills represent a variety of skills and abilities that aid a learner in understanding communication, whether in speech or in print. Reading can be defined as comprehending and actively responding to what is read. Word identification, word recognition, and decoding are frequently used interchangeably in referring to a beginning point for comprehension. A reader must be competent in translating the symbols or written words into intelligible language that can be used to create meaningful learning.

In the use of word identification skills, learners will develop instant word recognition, use of context clues, and analogies to connect prior learning to present learning. Phonics is also a component of word identification. Phonics-based decoding systems support the learners’ development of skills in creating meaning and usefulness of the words they encounter. Reading is a system and must be developed with a wide range of approaches and supports.

Approaches to consider:

• Phonics – “sounding-out” difficult words by using common sounds of letters in a word
• Syllabication – dividing a word into units of sound to gain fluency and expression
• Roots, stems, prefixes, and suffixes – support for understanding the basic meaning of a word
• Part of speech – recognizing the form of a word: noun, pronoun, adjective, verb, adverb, etc.
• Etymology – clarifying the meaning through the origin of a word
• Definition – explaining the meaning and specific use of a word
• Lexicon – developing a strong understanding of words and their meanings through a systematic study of words, word meanings, and usages
• Application – putting a word to special use in creating understanding
• Connections – applying a word in more than one setting (or academic discipline)
• Speech – developing a strong vocabulary for use in communication and expressing one’s thoughts
• Writing, editing, and proofreading – refining the writing process to clearly convey a message
• Classic Literature – reading works of literature which transcend time and culture to have a universal appeal and which are recognized for their artistic merit and quality