Thanks to Susan Godsland of www.dyslexics.org.uk for flagging up this comprehensive article by Kerry Hempenstall Ph.D on how the three-cueing (searchlight) reading system has become so a prevalent in schools and teacher training to this day, despite the fact that it is not evidence based. In fact, it is ideologically based and can do irreparable damage to children who have not been […]
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Alba Series reviewed
Alba Series from Phonic Books Reviewed by SNIP (Special Needs Information Press) July 2013 Stories by Clair Baker, illustrated by Drew Wilson Summary of the review: Alba Series is a new series of books specifically designed for girls who have gaps in their phonic knowledge. These books have a reading age appropriate for KS1 […]
Read MoreChildren suggest new monsters for next Talisman series
We were delighted to receive this letter written by children from Fringford Primary School: “Dear Mrs Tweedie, We are children in Year 3 who go to Fringford school. We wanted to tell you that your books are excellent and that we have really enjoyed Series 1 and 2 of the Talisman books. We would love […]
Read MoreWhy English Spelling sucks… 10 point explanation for kids
Thanks to Geraldine Carter for flagging up this really useful explanation – another great blogpost from Spelfabet. http://www.spelfabet.com.au/2013/07/spelling-for-kids/
Read MoreThe secret of Finnish education: reading at the core of society and a simple phonic code
The Finnish education is one of the most successful educational systems in the world. It is very different from the system in the UK. What are its secrets? Two important factors are: reading is at the core of society and it has a simple, transparent phonic code. To read more click on this article from the […]
Read MoreEvidence-based teaching – fantastic reading results using Magic Belt, Totem and Talisman series
The table below shows a set of results sent to us from a teacher who has used our catch-up range Magic Belt, Totem and Talisman books and workbooks this past year. All her pupils struggled with reading and have various profiles of learning difficulties. These include speech and language difficulties, specific learning difficulties, emotional difficulties […]
Read MoreWhy is Continuous Professional Development important and what makes it effective?
Quality Continuous Professional Development are one of the proven ways for raising standards in our schools. So many times one has been to inset days that have left no impact and have not changed the way we teach. Here is a great post by Joe Kirby why CPD is important and what is effective CPD. http://pragmaticreform.wordpress.com/2013/06/01/cpd/
Read MoreThe Great Phonics Check Debate
This week pupils in Y1 will undergo the phonics check. Here are the two sides to the debate. http://www.phonicsinternational.com/screener_debate.pdf
Read MoreReading results and case studies – call to teachers, Sencos and TAs
To teachers, Sencos and TAs, If you have been using our resources with your pupils, we would love to hear how they have progressed this year. Please send us case studies to post on our blog. Let us know which phonic programme you have been using and which resources worked best for your pupils. The case studies can be very short. We do […]
Read MoreMaladministration of phonics check- what not to do!
The DfE published this document in April about not cheating when administering the phonics check. http://www.education.gov.uk/schools/teachingandlearning/assessment/keystage1/a00224454/phon-malad Interesting that teachers need reminding….
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