Word recognition has two equally important aspects.
First, a reader must have a large sight word vocabulary, words recognized automatically. Second, a reader must have multiple strategies for decoding, using knowledge of symbol-sound correspondences, to identify unfamiliar words. Knowledge of sight words and efficiency in word recognition help children develop the ability to read and understand increasingly complex pieces of written language. It helps them develop speed and accuracy. In the Shared Reading section of the Teacher's Guide, for each Big Book there are six center activities provided for each Big Book plan, complementing the theme and skills featured in the whole-group lessons for that text.