At last the much awaited Totem Series is out! Check out this new set of decodable books for older struggling readers.
The idea here is to fill in the gaps that older pupils may have in their phonic knowledge. It has great illustrations and stories and it starts at CVC and CVCC level.
There is also a really comprehensive workbook to go with it. These books are designed for pupils who need to start at the beginning of the Initial Code (Phases 2,3,4 of Letters and Sounds) before progressing to the Talisman Series (Phase 5 of Letters and Sounds).
We have just returned from the SEN exhbition at the Design Centre in Islington. This is the first time we have shown the new Totem Series to SEN teachers. They seemed to be exactly what many were lookind for: decodable books for older pupils with motivating stories and illustrations.
If you are using the books and the workbook, let us know how you are getting on with your pupils. We would like to hear from you.
Tami
I am a Dyslexia Support Teacher working with a group of pupils with a wide range of difficulties accessing literacy. This term I have started working with four very different pupils using the Totem series and have been overwhelmed with the positive response from the pupils. The stories are dramatic enough to really capture their enthusiasm while still being so accessible and well structured so that they can actually read them. Two of my pupils, who are very disenachanted with reading, have already asked when they can read the rest of the books in the series. One boy even asked if he could take them home ! One of the major appeals of the series for me is the superb level of differentiation in the workshets which means I can work with a number of different children on the same story and give them support work that is exactly at their ability level. Thankyou so much for producing something that has filled such a crucial gap in the market and provided something which reluctant readers genuinely want to read.
CW Dyslexia Support Teacher