d teachers definitely need the teacher’s manual for effective instruction. The complete phonics part of the program includes a practice book, reading books, review cards, workbook, a learner’s packet and a cute phonics’ CD. This program is aimed at homeschoolers Although classroom teachers may find it useful.
Children are invited to visit Alphabet Island where they are introduced to letters and their sounds through songs, poems, and songs. Some students may find the characterizations distracting while others will look forward to the next installment. While the program suggests that the video be watched during each lesson, if the student finds it distracting, then it can be omitted after seeing it once. Students are introduced to phonics rules that are repeatedly practiced. While the program can be used independently, many parents and teachers find it best to combine it with the company’s spelling program creating a total system. A complimentary math program is included with purchase.
Children who have to many wiggles to sit still and learn may do very well with the Sing Spell Read and Write Kit. This comprehensive system teaches through a CD presentation with catchy songs that introduce the concepts. Then, the student can read from 23 phonetic storybooks. Workbooks further reinforce the concepts. Also, included are fun phonic games and a treasure chest filled with small prizes. A wall chart allows students to easily see their progress. Teachers are introduced to the course on a video. The teacher’s manual makes it easy to stay organized. Assessments are included for those who would like to use them.
Teachers who want one book that serves as both the teacher’s manual and student book will want to consider Phonics Pathways. This program starts by introducing short vowel words and almost immediately starts to teach students to blend them to read simple words. Upper and lower case letters are introduced at the same time. Each sound is introduced in multiple ways including hearing, saying, tracing and writing. The material is specially designed to encourage proper tracking. Students are introduced to positive-thinking proverbs and fun characters throughout the book. Students are often introduced to a single word. Then, that word is introduced in a sentence. The sentence is then expanded in a pyramid formation.
The McRufy phonics program is a comprehensive program incorporating multi-sensory learning techniques. The laminated covers and sturdy pages in the student workbooks make it easy for students to learn as they will not tear easily. Unlike many programs relying on question-correct response questions, this program relies on open-ended questions frequently. Students should have some introduction to letters before beginning this program which moves rather quickly. For example, lesson three already has students blending b and a. By the end of the kindergarten year, students should know all letters including both long and short vowels, some digraphs, a few sight words including the names of colors.
All About Reading is an intensive phonics system that breaks each sound down into separate lessons. Open-and-go lessons allow teachers or parents to teach these lessons without any preparation work. The program features many hands-on activities. Each lesson focuses on spelling abilities: print awareness, phonological awareness, letter knowledge, listening comprehension, motivation to read or a combination of these skills. The program includes two reading books that students will work their way through during the first level. A zebra hand puppet is used to teach many of the lessons. The program also uses an app to introduce children to the various sounds. The program also reinforces other early childhood skills such as following directions, coloring, cutting, listening, identifying syllables audibly, making inferences and developing vocabulary.
Saxton Phonics 1 is the top pick in phonics curriculum because of its completeness. The company recommends that the student is introduced to one new sound each week although the program can be