At this stage Children may prefer to read the story aloud to an adult without first discussing the pictures. Althougth children are now progressing towards silent, independent reading, they need to know that adult help and encouragement is readily available. When children meet a word they do not know, these words can be worked out by looking at the beginning letter (What sound does this letter make?) and other sounds the child recognises within the word. The child can then decide which word makes sense.