Preparing for Lesson 1
with Lessons A Through E
Does your student know the letters of the alphabet and the order in which they appear? If not, now is the time to learn the alphabet. Popular ways to learn the English alphabet are to (1) memorize and practice “The Alphabet Song”; (2) practice writing the alphabet letters in order; and (3) use a set of flash cards to drill through the letters.
If your student is not ready for Lesson A, you might benefit by investigating the Reading and Spelling Pure & Simple Kindergarten & First Grade Workbook Series. This workbook series complements the lessons and introduces alphabet letters, one at a time.
This Pre-Unit, consisting of Lessons A through E, is not needed by every student. Some students already recognize the letters of the alphabet and know the sounds associated with them. If this is the case with your student, you may proceed to Lesson 1 on page 23.
Lessons A through E contain valuable teaching tips for beginning instructors. Experienced teachers may also benefit from the observations and insights presented here.
Lesson A
introduces:
a, m, t, b
Lesson B
introduces:
reviews:
l, p, n
a, m, t, b
Lesson C
introduces:
reviews:
s, g, r, f
a, m, t, b, l, p, n
Lesson D
introduces:
reviews:
h, w, v, j
a, m, t, b, l, p, n, s, g, r, f
Lesson E
introduces:
reviews:
x, y, z
a, m, t, b, l, p, n, s, g, r, f, h, w, v, j
Teachers: You will find these lessons easier to teach if you familiarize yourself with the information found on pages xiii (general information), xv (procedure), xvi (teacher prep), and xviii (supply list).
Overview of Lessons A Through E
“Do you know what this letter is?
“That’s right. It’s a.
“Did you know that a makes a special sound? It says |ă|, as in apple.
“Let’s say it together: |ă|, |ă|, |ă| . . . |ă| as in apple.”
Being introduced to a character of the alphabet and learning the sound that it makes is to take one’s first step as a reader! We start with one letter, and once your student has mastered it, it will be time to introduce another letter, and another, and so forth. It is important for your student to realize that there is a connection between written letters and spoken sounds. (We’ll discuss the fact later that some letters are capable of making more than one sound.) Recognizing the correlation between written letters and sounds is essential for real reading.
Reading is based on recognizable patterns. We prefer to explain reading concepts in terms of “patterns” rather than “rules.” Students find patterns far less intimidating than rules. Being able to recognize letters and express their associated sounds enables students to read a huge array of words. There is no need to memorize words if one knows how to apply the patterns. Students who have received true phonics instruction will not guess at words, nor will they be dependent on other people to know what a word is or how to pronounce it.
Learning to spell is an integral part of this program. After your student has read several words, he will write the words on notebook paper. The act of writing by hand helps students remember words and creates “muscle memory.” Writing also instills confidence and promotes mastery. We want students to know not only how to read but also how to write effectively. Don’t skip the spelling process!
This Pre-Unit covers one vowel and seventeen consonants. After finishing Lesson E, your student will advance to Lesson 1. Lessons A through E are not needed by every student, as some pupils already have a good grasp of vowels and consonants. If your student hesitates over the words in Lesson 1, we advise you to start instead with Lesson A. (The last lesson in the Pre-Unit and the first lesson of the main unit intentionally cover the same one vowel and 17 consonants to make for a seamless transition.)
If you decide to skip the Pre-Unit, take a few minutes to skim through the helpful teaching tips and techniques found on pages 6, 8, 10, 12, and 14.
Sound Chart
Lesson A
|ă|
apple
|m|
money
|t|
tent
|b|
baseball
Lesson B
|l|
light bulb
|p|
pen
|n|
nose
Lesson C
|s|
sun
|g|
guitar
|r|
run
|f|
fish
Lesson D
|h|
hat
|w|
web
|v|
vase
|j|
jacket
Lesson E
|ks|
box
|y|
yoyo
|z|
zebra
Overview of Lessons A Through E
“Do you know what this letter is?
“That’s right. It’s a.
“Did you know that a makes a special sound? It says |ă|, as in apple.
“Let’s say it together: |ă|, |ă|, |ă| . . . |ă| as in apple.”
Being introduced to a character of the alphabet and learning the sound that it makes is to take one’s first step as a reader! We start with one letter, and once your student has mastered it, it will be time to introduce another letter, and another, and so forth. It is important for your student to realize that there is a connection between written letters and spoken sounds. (We’ll discuss the fact later that some letters are capable of making more than one sound.) Recognizing the correlation between written letters and sounds is essential for real reading.
Reading is based on recognizable patterns. We prefer to explain reading concepts in terms of “patterns” rather than “rules.” Students find patterns far less intimidating than rules. Being able to recognize letters and express their associated sounds enables students to read a huge array of words. There is no need to memorize words if one knows how to apply the patterns. Students who have received true phonics instruction will not guess at words, nor will they be dependent on other people to know what a word is or how to pronounce it.
Learning to spell is an integral part of this program. After your student has read several words, he will write the words on notebook paper. The act of writing by hand helps students remember words and creates “muscle memory.” Writing also instills confidence and promotes mastery. We want students to know not only how to read but also how to write effectively. Don’t skip the spelling process!
This Pre-Unit covers one vowel and seventeen consonants. After finishing Lesson E, your student will advance to Lesson 1. Lessons A through E are not needed by every student, as some pupils already have a good grasp of vowels and consonants. If your student hesitates over the words in Lesson 1, we advise you to start instead with Lesson A. (The last lesson in the Pre-Unit and the first lesson of the main unit intentionally cover the same one vowel and 17 consonants to make for a seamless transition.)
If you decide to skip the Pre-Unit, take a few minutes to skim through the helpful teaching tips and techniques found on pages 6, 8, 10, 12, and 14.