Why is the Notched Card important?
A. It’s a very simple aid, like “training wheels” on a tricycle or bicycle, for assisting your child to read from left to right and to focus on “reading through the word.” The aid is much more effective than “flashcards” or other out-of-text word practice because the aid is minimal; it’s there when the child needs it; and it prevents the child’s memorization of words as whole-words rather than attending to the letter/sound correspondences. Your child is doing the work of “learning how to learn” and is not confused by extrinsic tasks which from an adult’s point of view appear helpful, but from a child’s perspective are confusing and distracting.
