Rating: 
Summary: Excellent book for teaching children to read
Review: This book was well worth the investment. I have been using it at home to teach my daughter to read and even before finishing the book she was able to read beyond the level in the book just because she had some of the rules of reading under her belt. The book progresses in a logical sequence by beginning with vowel sounds and then consonants. After only a handful of lessons the child will be reading short three letter words that really gets them excited! I would recommend this book for any child just learning to read or for a child who may be struggling. By teaching them the sounds of each letter and rules of reading and spelling, you'll be amazed at how much your child learns along with yourself!
Rating: 
Summary: NEW! Index to spelling rules, additional spelling charts!
Review: This comletely redesigned 8th edition has the same content as before, with many added features: a new spelling rule index, additional spelling charts, more proverbs, updated introduction, a new cover, and all-new greatly enhanced graphics:USER-FRIENDLY-Letters are added only one at a time, and systematically built into syllables, words, and sentences. Step-by-step directions begin every lesson-no other material is needed and no previous experience is necessary. 100% DECODABLE-Extensive examples, word lists, and practice readings are 100% decodable-only comprised of sounds and rules learned so far. Multiple pictures illustrate every letter introduced. Continuous review ensures retention. SPELLING REFERENCE-Spelling rules were gathered for thirty years from sources all over the world. Contains all diacritical markings. Quick-reference spelling and pronunciation charts. Index to all spelling rules and patterns. Extensive teaching tips and spelling short cuts. DYSLEXIC OR REMEDIAL-Multisensory method addresses all learning styles. A special graduated blending technique strengthens eye tracking and increases eye span. Helps prevent or correct letter/word reversals. Vision/motor developmental exercises. BUILDS CHARACTER-Wise, humorous proverbs offer a wealth of insight and encouragement. Encourages virtues such as patience, perseverance, honesty, kindness, courage, and loyalty. Students will delight in Dewey the Bookworm and the whimsical illustrations!
Rating: 
Summary: Great resource for teachers and homeschoolers
Review: This is one of the best phonics books I've ever seen - phonics rules are given that really help with spelling, and the method helps children learn how to read from left to right. I found the little "words of wisdom" to be distracting, and it hands children a bunch of extra words on the page that they can't yet read, which is really the only thing I don't like about this book. The data itself seems to be given in perfect order, very simply, very clearly. It really helps with older kids who have trouble spelling, too.
Rating:
Summary: The Best Phonics Primer You Can Buy!!!
Review: When I first purchased this book I had no idea what to expect. The reviews here were mixed, as were the testimonials I received from other sources. I went ahead and made the purchase, just to satisfy my own curiosity, and I can say confidently that it is worth TEN times the price. Think of this as a complete, self-contained phonics kit. Everything, and I mean EVERYTHING you need to teach your beginning, emerging and remedial reader is jammed into this gigantic 238-page workbook. Don't be dismayed by the lack of the usual visual components we homeschoolers always like to see (i.e., flashcards, tapes and CDs). If you have them and would feel more productive using them, then be my guest, but they are totally unnecessary, and may cramp your style (not to mention eat away precious time) if you purchase this book! The power of this award-winning book lies in its simple graduated learning approach. Letters and spelling patterns are introduced one at a time through a sequential methodology. Students are first introduced to the short vowel sounds, then move on to learning the consonants. Next they learn the fine art of blending (explained thoroughly in a language even the most beginning reader will clearly be able to retain). The consonants are then combined with the vowels to make two-letter words and then three-word phrases and sentences which gradually increase in length and complexity. Blending utilizes what the author calls "eye-robics" -- the practice of training your eye muscles to track together smoothly from left to right across the page as you read sentences. It is an exercise that needs to be practiced daily. This multi-sensory book has proven to be the single most valuable resource we have used in our homeschool. It is easy-to-use, self-teaching and lots of fun. You can also use the sentences given for dictation exercises. This is a great find for those who are looking for a workbook-based phonics program but don't want to shell out big bucks. 5 Stars for its practical, resourceful and sound approach to teaching reading.
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