Phonics First

Book excerpt: BOOKS IN SERIES: 8 BOOKS IN READING F REEDOM 2000 PROGRAM: 24 ISBN: 978174020 0202 AUTHOR: Hunter Calder RRP: $13. 95 PAGES: 72 pp. The Phonics First series has been written specifically for pre-readers and beginnin g readers (suggested age 4 - ... 6). The series is carefully structured to develop phonemic awareness - ... the ability to identify individual s ounds in words as well as the ability to blend sounds into meaningful wo rds. In Phonics First Book 5, students are introduced to higher o rder phonics skills and generalisations. They learn the common consonant digraphs, long vowel rules, and the soft 'ec',, and 'eg',, sounds. Th rough a variety of motivational exercises and activities students develo p their skills so they are able to read words containing these sounds wi th accuracy and fluency. The Reading Freedom 2000 Diagnostic Hand book should be used to place students at the correct level in the progra m. In order to work successfully with the Phonics First Activity Books, teachers should refer to the Phonics First Teacher Resource Book and mon itor student progress with the Phonics First Achievement Tests.