LESSON 9: High-Frequency Word “and”

Help Your Child Learn to Read and Use the Word “and”

What Will We Learn Today?

Today, we’re learning the high-frequency word “and”. This word helps us connect ideas and is found in many simple sentences your child will read and write. In this lesson, your child will learn how to say, read, and write the word “and”, and use it in meaningful ways.

How to Say the Word “and”

The word “and” has three sounds:

• /æ/ as in cat

• /n/ as in net

• /d/ as in dog

Blend the sounds together to make the word: /æ/–/n/–/d/ → and

Say it aloud together:

• and

• and

• and

Practice reading the word three times with your child.

What Does the Word “and” Mean?

The word “and” is a joining word. It helps us connect two things, actions, or people.

For example:

• I see a cat and a dog.

• Sam and Pam sat.

• I can hop and run.

It lets us add more information and keeps ideas together in a sentence.

Fun and Meaningful Activities for the Word “and”

Read and Circle the Word

Write short sentences with the word “and”. Ask your child to circle “and” every time they see it.

Examples:

• Sam and I sat.

• I tap and pat.

• Pam and Tam ran.

• Sam and Pam nap.

Ask:

“Can you find the word ‘and’? Let’s count how many times it appears!”

Build the Word with Letters

Help your child build the word and using letter magnets, cards, or paper cutouts.

• Spell it out loud: a – n – d

• Then say the whole word: and

Let them build it again and again to build automatic recognition.

Match the Word in Phrases

Practice reading short phrases that include the word “and” with CVC words your child already knows.

Examples:

• map and mat

• tap and pat

• Tam and Mat

• Sam and I

• Pam and I

• Sam and Pam

Blend the words aloud and encourage your child to point as they read each word.

Let’s Practice Reading Connected Sentences

Now let’s try reading short, connected sentences with the word “and”. Model reading first, then invite your child to read with you.

• “Sam, tap the fat map.”

• “Pam, tap the fat map.”

• Sam and Pam tap the fat map.

• Sam and Pam sat at the fat map.

Let’s Practice Reading Sentences

These early sentences combine CVC words and the high-frequency word “and.” Read slowly together and blend each word.

• I tap and pat.

• Sam and I sat at the mat.

• Pat and I tap the sap.

• Tam and I pat the fat map.

Ask:

“What word do you see again and again? What does ‘and’ do in these sentences?”

Write It, Say It, Trace It

Use a whiteboard or worksheet to:

• Write the word “and” three times

• Say it each time

• Trace the word with a finger, marker, or pencil

[Download the “and” Practice Worksheet Here]

Conclusion

The word “and” is a small but powerful word that helps children build longer sentences and express more ideas. With practice through phrases, blending, and connected reading, your child will become more confident using this high-frequency word in their own speech and writing.

Keep practicing daily and celebrate every sentence they read. What’s your favorite sentence using the word “and”? Share it in the comments!