Overcoming Guessing in Reading: 5 Actionable Strategies for Educators

Guessing in reading is a common obstacle in reading development, impacting students of all ages. Many children rely on guessing rather than decoding words, a habit that becomes deeply ingrained over time. This can mask underlying reading difficulties until students encounter more complex texts in higher grades.

The good news? Educators can address and overcome this challenge with explicit and structured teaching practices. Below, we outline five actionable tips to help your students break the guessing habit and become confident, accurate readers.

1. Cover Words to Focus on Decoding Instead of Guessing in Reading

One easy and effective tool for tackling guessing in reading is using a bookmark or your finger to cover parts of a word. This simple technique helps students focus on decoding words sound by sound, from left to right, instead of relying on the first letter or context clues to guess.

How to do it:

• When introducing new words, cover everything except the part the student is sounding out.
• Slowly reveal the rest of the word as they decode each segment.

• When introducing new words, cover everything except the part the student is sounding out.
• Slowly reveal the rest of the word as they decode each segment.

This method promotes systematic decoding and builds phonics skills, helping to create better habits instead of guessing in reading.

2. Provide the Sound When Students are Guessing in Reading

When students guess incorrectly, don’t leave them floundering. Immediately provide them with the correct word, or at times it is sufficient to tap on the sound they struggled with. Then guide them to look at the word or letter as they say it the sound again and reblend the word aloud. This step ensures they connect the correct word or sound with its written form and reinforces proper decoding.

Example:

If a student guesses “beg-in” for the word “be-gin” gently correct them by tapping gently on the confused sound. Give them a second to self correct. If they don’t self correct tap on the sound again and model the correct sound. Have them try again. Then repeat the word with the correct pronunciation while looking at the word. Some times if a student is struggling give them the correct word and have them repeat your model while looking at the word.

This approach removes frustration, prevents reinforcing the wrong guessing in reading, and brings attention to accurate reading.

3. Revisit Sight Words with Purpose

Students often do a lot of guessing in reading when reading sight words, especially those they believe they’ve memorized. Encourage a more focused approach by teaching sight words through sound patterns and word morphology rather than rote memorization.

Try this exercise:

When a student misreads a sight word, tap the word with a pencil and ask them to sound it out again carefully.

Add phonics instruction for sight words with similar sound patterns to help them recognize the correct structure.

Sight words aren’t about blind memorization, and tapping into phonics skills will help students grow stronger in their reading abilities.

4. Introduce the Point Game for Decoding Awareness

Breaking bad habits starts with awareness, and the “point game” makes students conscious of their guessing tendencies in a non-punitive way. Here’s how it works:

• Give students a point each time they correctly decode a word without guessing.
• If they guess, award a point to yourself (as the teacher). This is only for guessing not for a mistake in decoding.

The point system isn’t about punishment but about raising awareness. Students begin to notice their habits and naturally strive to adjust their behavior for more accurate reading. Remember to keep the atmosphere positive and encouraging! I use these strategies when practicing reading patterns with decodable stories.

• When a student misreads a sight word, tap the word with a pencil and ask them to sound it out again carefully.
• Add phonics instruction for sight words with similar sound patterns to help them recognize the correct structure.

Sight words aren’t about blind memorization, and tapping into phonics skills will help students grow stronger in their reading abilities.

4. Introduce the Point Game for Awareness

Breaking bad habits starts with awareness, and the “point game” makes students conscious of their guessing tendencies in a non-punitive way. Here’s how it works:

• Give students a point each time they correctly decode a word without guessing.
• If they guess, award a point to yourself (as the teacher). This is only for guessing not for a mistake in decoding.

The point system isn’t about punishment but about raising awareness. Students begin to notice their habits and naturally strive to adjust their behavior for more accurate reading. Remember to keep the atmosphere positive and encouraging!

5. Use Nonsense Words for Phonics Practice

One of the most effective ways to eliminate guessing is by introducing nonsense words into your phonics instruction. Since these words can’t be memorized, students are forced to decode each sound using phonics skills.

Activity idea:

• Prepare a list of nonsense words (e.g., “fep,” “nub,” “vot”) that follow regular phonics rules.
• Guide students to read each word sound by sound.

Adding nonsense word exercises can strengthen decoding skills and help students prioritize phonics over guessing. This is only done for a short time. Usually with older students who already have memorized many words.

Building a Supportive Learning Environment

Addressing the guessing habit can be challenging, especially for older students, but progress happens faster when learning feels safe. Cultivate a positive classroom environment by reassuring students that mistakes are part of growth. Be patient and persistent—breaking an old habit takes time but is ultimately rewarding.

Strength in Numbers: Collaborate and Share Ideas

Improving literacy instruction doesn’t have to be a solo effort. Connect with fellow educators, share experiences, and exchange strategies to create an even more impactful teaching approach. A supportive community can provide invaluable insights and encouragement.

Final Thoughts

Guessing in reading can hold students back, but with explicit teaching strategies and structured phonics instruction, you can help them develop the skills needed for lifelong literacy success.

Remember, overcoming these habits takes time and consistent effort. Start with these five strategies, and watch your students grow into confident, capable readers.

Have additional tips or techniques? Share them in the comments to collaborate with other educators!