Decoding and Word Reading
The ability to apply phonics knowledge to decode unfamiliar words, recognize high-frequency words by sight, and read connected text with accuracy.
What the research says
Referenced across 2 developmental frameworks: asq_3 · cdc_milestones
Full quotes, source languages, and document links coming soon as we finish the source-evidence indexing pass.
Normative evidence
1 source back this milestone. The bars below show the age range each source covers.
Before this (2)
How it's taught
Place toys within baby's reach during floor time. Use toys that make sounds or move when batted to provide feedback. This encourages reaching and visual-motor coordination.
Materials: Hanging toys, play gym, rattles suspended within reach
What mastery looks like
No intentional arm movements toward objects
- Arms move randomly without relation to toys
- Does not orient arms toward visible toys
- No change in arm movement when toy is presented
Occasional arm movements toward toys
- Sometimes moves arm in general direction of toy
- Movement may be more random than intentional
- Inconsistent - may swing at toy once but not repeat
Regular swinging at toys within reach
- Frequently swings arm toward toys
- Movement is clearly directed at toy
- May or may not make contact with toy
- More successful with larger, closer toys
Consistent, coordinated swinging at toys
- Uses her arm to swing at toys
- Adjusts arm movement based on toy position
- Often makes contact with toy
- Repeats swinging when toy moves or makes sound
Sophisticated reaching and batting
- Accurately reaches for and bats toys
- Uses both arms to reach for toys
- Coordinates reaching with grasping
- Anticipates toy movement and adjusts reach
Related activities
No activities directly mapped to this yet. These are age and domain-appropriate alternatives.
Run and Fun — Zooming Around Together
Parent and preschooler play a running game outdoors or in a large indoor space. Agent coaches parent to observe running coordination, balance, speed control, and body awareness through a series of playful challenges like 'run to the tree' and 'freeze like a statue.'
Kitchen Helper Adventure
Treasure Hunt Focus Fun
A playful treasure hunt that helps your child practice focusing attention, ignoring distractions, and shifting attention between clues.
Kitchen Band Exploration
Treasure Hunt Challenge
A fun scavenger hunt where your child plans and executes actions to find hidden treasures, practicing goal-directed behavior through playful problem-solving.
Treasure Hunt Thinking
A playful treasure hunt where children practice using self-talk to guide their search and problem-solving
Formal assessments
No matching assessment items indexed yet.
Standardised assessment view
1 instrument measure this construct. The construct page shows how each one approaches it and at what age range.
View as assessment construct →