Time and again, research has shown that mastering the phonic code is key to successful, fluent reading. The mastery of this knowledge is particularly vital for children from disadvantaged backgrounds. Experienced teachers will have observed that some children manage to unscramble the phonic code for themselves, and will learn to read regardless of how they […]
Read MoreLearning to Read
Rescue series FAQs – who needs a phonic series for girls?
We thought it would be useful to discuss why there is a need for a new phonic series aimed at girls. Here are frequently asked questions about the new Rescue series: Rescue series FAQs Who is this series aimed at? This series is aimed at older, struggling readers ages 8-14 who have gaps in their […]
Read MoreDandelion Hot Dots gets thumbs up from teachers with award
We are delighted to announce that our Dandelion Hot Dots cards won an award from the Primary Teacher Update awards! This product was developed in collaboration with Learning Resources. Dandelion Hot Dots cards were given to two different teachers. They were tried and tested in the classroom. The cards encourage children to practice decoding and […]
Read MoreDfE: 150,000 infants to receive catch-up classes in reading
Looks like the phonics check in Year 1 is helping to identify pupils who need extra help with reading: Click here to read an article from the Telegraph.
Read MoreMagic Belt series wins award from Primary Teacher Update
We are delighted to announce that the Magic Belt series has just won the silver award for best primary resources at the recent Primary Teacher Update awards ceremony. The books were given to two different teachers to test with their pupils. Here is what they said: “An excellent resource. The books are very appealing and […]
Read MoreImaginative decodable books get children writing – see fantastic example based on Talisman series
This story was sent it by Adam Sheedy from Co Limerick in Ireland. He decided to write the next instalment of the Talisman series. A great example of how exciting decodable books can get reluctant readers and writers to love stories and get enthused about writing their own! Adam-Sheedy-The-Return-of-the-Dark-Master
Read MorePlurals – a useful explantion
Here is a useful post on teaching plurals by spelfabet: http://www.spelfabet.com.au/2014/07/spelling-plurals/#more-12214
Read MoreRevisiting the Debate Over the Davis Phonics Pamphlet: Part 1
Can there ever be evidence that one method of teaching to read is better than another? Read from Scenes from the Battleground here:
Read MoreHow to trick you kids into reading this summer
Here are some imaginative ideas about how to trick you kids into reading this summer by Daniel Willingham: http://www.theatlantic.com/education/archive/2014/07/how-to-kick-start-summer-reading/373737/
Read More7 out of 12 schools in Stock-on-Trent do not teach reading well enough – what is going on?
John Walker of the Literacy Blog discusses recent sampling of schools in Stoke-on-Trent. Is this just the tip of the iceberg? http://literacyblog.blogspot.co.uk/2014/06/the-tip-of-iceberg.html
Read More