Writing Road to Reading 6ED

A total language arts program that teaches students to spell, write, and read (in that order). This approach was developed by Romalda Spalding alongside the work done by Orton & Gillingham. The research-based instruction begins by teaching 70 phonograms (letter/minimal sound units). Once these are learned, spelling instruction begins based on a list of words compiled by frequency of use. Children learn 29 spelling rules by example, with the teacher following an exact script. After learning the 70 phonograms and 29 spelling rules, the student has the tools to spell 80% of English words. Children keep a personal spelling book where they will ultimately accumulate a personal list of hundreds of words. The last major tool is a simple word marking system utilizing five conventions (ex. rich, ze ro). In the sixty-plus years this program has been in use, instructors have discovered that students begin reading ("on their own) after learning the first 30 or so phonograms. The revised 6th edition adds additional resources and research notes. The manual includes two parts: Part 1 includes detailed lessons and procedures, while Part 2 includes recommendations for quality children's literature and word lists.