This is the ideal game to teach deconstruction of multi-syllable words. It is a critical strategy that we use as adults when we encounter an unknown word; however, many students have learnt to guess and read on. When you suspect this strategy is being overused and affecting comprehension, it's time to focus on deconstruction. The flash cards are included for direct teaching of the deconstruction strategy, breaking the word into syllables and blending.

It may be necessary to start learners with two syllable words if the habit of guessing is entrenched. I have the same game with two, three, four and five syllable words to ensure the habit is broken and deconstruction is used as one of their reading strategies.

The words I have used are:

concentrated, terminated, estimated, regulated, alligator, predicament, mathematics, fascination resignation, disadvantage, everybody, anybody, satisfaction, disrespectful, invitation obedient, reputation discontented, available, disappointed, appropriate, discontinue, discovery, communicate, disagreement, admiration, information, automatic, cooperate, understanding, permanently, underwater, semicircle, necessary, graduation, sentimental, instrumental, watermelon, magnificent, preparation, cemetery, television, caterpillar, importantly, unhappiness, experience, recovery, associate, incredible, considerate