Phonics For Reading And Spelling

Homeschoolers' Comments

"Hi! I recently ordered the "Phonogram Activity Sheets" and "Phonics Fun" (phonogram card game) from you. I am very happy with both. :-) HOWEVER - I did need to make a few adjustments because both of these items are specifically designed to compliment "Phonics for Spelling and Reading" by Bonnie Dittmar. PS&R has altered some of the phonograms (afterall phonics is an art, not a science) and the program does not conform fully to WRTR. I mention this because both of these items are listed under WRTR in your catalog, I think it would be more accurate to list them under PS&R. I teaching phonics using the WRTR methodology. I use "ReadingWorks" for my WRTR instructional manual (written by the author of 'GrammarWorks', Jay Patterson.) I also own Wanda Sanseri's "Teaching Reading at Home", which I use as a reference tool. From what I can see, both of these programs reference the WRTR text in their teacher's manuals and are "true" to the WRTR phonogram and spelling-instruction patterns. The adjustments I had to make to "Phonics Fun" was extremely minimal. I simply replaced my phonograms pronunciation key for theirs. My curriculum teaches five phonogram spellings for the sound /er/ and PS&R teaches six spellings. Likewise, I teach three sounds for 'o' phonogram while PS&R teaches four sounds for this same phonogram. These are the only two differences I have noticed at this time. The solution for "Teaching Reading at Home" users is extremely simply. I would advise them to use the last page of their manual, entitled "70 Basic Phonograms in a Nutshell", as their pronunciation key for the "Phonics Fun" games. That is in place of the phonograms pronunciation key included in the game instructions. The alterations I made to the "Phonograms Activity Sheets" were more invasive. I tracing and re-did the 'o' phonogram page and the /er/ sounds pages, thus making new 'master copies' for myself. The alterations necessary to make these particular pages coordinate with my phonics program was minimal in comparison to the fun learning experience my daughter will have in doing all of the "Phonogram Activity Sheets". I could have also simply crossed out the portion of the activity sheet which pertained to the discrepancies I noticed, but we are saving all of my daughters completed "Phonogram Activity Sheets" in a 3 ring binder so I wanted them to look nice. I do not know for sure if I will encounter future discrepancies, I have not taken the time to thoroughly investigate the matter, although I did scan the pages and nothing else jumped out at me as a major discrepancy. Based upon my experience, I would advise you to move the two items which I just purchased to follow the "PR&S" description, but perhaps stress that both products (especially "Phonics Fun") can be used with ANY phonics program and work especially well with WRTR-based programs. I noticed in my "Teaching Reading at Home" manual that Wanda Sanseri does if fact sell a set of games which specifically coordinate with her curriculum. I saw a friend of mine's "Slow and Steady" last week. I hope I get the opportunity to order it soon!!" Susan Davis, MN "I thought of something's to add: I am familiar with "Alphaphonics" (now "How to Tutor") and "100 Easy Lessons". I would strongly encourage those of you who use these programs to consider the "Phonogram Activity Sheets" and the "Phonics Fun" games for multi-sensory supplemental work. For those of you concerned that the activity sheets promote picture associations with the phonograms (something which the WRTR discourages), I will assure you that these activity sheets promote decoding skills. Also, the coloring and cutting exercises promote small muscle skills. They are truly creative, I never could have come up with these ideas on my own. You could even take the activity sheets a step further by having the students use the words which they just decoded in sentences. I have played the "Phonics Fun" games with both my 6yo and 3 yo at the same time, I helped my 3yo play and introduced the phonograms to her along the way, while my 6yo worked towards mastery. My girls beg to play "Phonics Fun"! (My 6yo believes that this is the same phonics game which she has heard advertised on the radio. She had been asking for that game for months, so you saved me A LOT of money. :-)" Susan Davis (MN) Prov. 3:5&6

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Phonics Fun Games This great little game by Small Ventures is back! Contains two complete sets of the 70 phonograms and suggestions for fun games with varying skill levels. Great for reinforcement and review. Business card size and laminated. This game was designed to accompany The Writing Road to Reading but may be used very successfully with any phonics program.	Reg. $16.95 On Sale! $14.95
Phonics For Reading: A Primer Kit - Close out! An easier program designed for younger students. Includes Primer, Basic Phonogram Cards, Basic Phonogram Tape, notebook, paper and pencils. A $15.00 coupon is also included toward the purchase of Phonics for Reading and Spelling.	Reg. $49.95 On Sale! $24.95
Phonics For Reading Primer - Book Only	Reg. $24.95 On Sale! $9.95
70 Basic Phonogram Flashcards These cards were developed especially for home schoolers. Each card has a phonogram on the front and instructions for its use, its sound, and teaching information on the back. These are a fantastic teaching and reviewing tool for use with many phonics programs (although they were designed to be used with The Writing Road to Reading), or by themselves. I have used these with great success with older students who struggle with reading.	Reg. $13.00 On Sale! $11.95