Phonetic Storybook Readers - Set of 1-17 Homeschool Edition

Programs in this section go beyond teaching children how to read, incorporating phonetic readers, spelling and writing as well. Arranged roughly by grade/age.

The Sing, Spell, Read and Write curriculum kits are currently out of print. The author, Sue Dickson, may reprint these programs in the future, but they are not currently available. Several of the workbooks have been reprinted and are available separately.

Considering the approach, ease of use, content, child-appeal, benefits, effectiveness and cost of all the phonics programs we were familiar with, Sing, Spell, Read & Write was our choice for personal use. We have used several programs and read about many others. Although we didn't use this program in total with our children (because we extended the spelling, used italic handwriting instead of ball and stick, etc.) we did find it the most used and useful of those we tried. What is more, the results were wonderful! We are hopeful that the full program will be available again in the future.

• The "raceway" theme is very appealing and motivating to children, who love tracking their success via race car around a track as they complete the 36 steps to independent reading.
• The songs are contagious - children will sing and sing and learn their letter sounds, long and short vowel sounds, blending vowels and consonants, and digraphs almost effortlessly - and enjoy it! That is, if you can bear to listen to it sung over and over, multiplied by x times the number of children using it throughout the years.
• The 17 phonetic, full-color storybooks cover all 36 steps, providing immediate, rewarding reinforcement for the decoding skill just learned. This makes good sense.
• The games are not just fluff, but real fortification of phonetic skills. They are more fun, however, if you can play with more than one child.
• The step-by-step instructor's manual provides easy-to-follow directions for all lessons. It will aid you in understanding/teaching the phonics program - and give you the confidence to do it!
• Included is a complete, phonetic spelling program dove-tailing with the phonetic constructs being learned and a complete handwriting program (if you use ball and stick manuscript).
• Two workbooks include grammar and creative writing as well as letter recognition, sequencing, phonemic awareness, phonics practice, manuscript writing, reading, comprehension and spelling.
• The two workbooks and the assessment book included in the set are the only consumables in the program. These are also available separately if you are teaching additional students.

A long-time favorite, this excellent phonics program appeals to both the child and the teacher because of its enjoyment, ease of use, and effectiveness. The instructor's manual provides easy-to-follow directions and gives you the confidence to teach phonics. Consumable workbooks for the student not only include phonics practice and reading comprehension but also handwriting, spelling, grammar, and creative writing. Children love the catchy songs teaching letter sounds, long and short vowel sounds, blending vowels and consonants, and digraphs.

At Level 1, language arts skills are covered through a "raceway" theme with 36 steps to independent reading. The full-color decodable storybooks cover all 36 steps and provide great practice for the student to develop his new reading ability. Playing the games is another fun reinforcement activity to ensure real understanding of the phonetic skills. The two workbooks include grammar and creative writing as well as letter recognition, sequencing, phonemic awareness, phonics practice, manuscript writing, reading, comprehension and spelling.