Most teachers approach teaching in a child-centred way so dictation goes against the grain. It may seem old-fashioned and yes, a bit dictatorial. But actually, is it a really powerful tool which is particularly useful for struggling or emerging readers […]
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Cumulative teaching – how to teach children who forget
Many of my students at the Bloomfield Learning Centre have difficulty remembering the complex alternative spellings of sounds in English. The problem is they don’t hold on to what they have learned. The teacher may teach <ai> and the next […]
Read MoreIndependent review of That Dog! series

We have just received this independent review from Teach Primary Magazine. The review is available online. See link below. Phonic Books – That Dog! for catch-up readers across the school. At a glance: • Age appropriate, synthetic phonic catch-up […]
Read MoreHow to use decodable books

How to use decodable books Decodable books are controlled texts that beginner readers can read independently once they have been taught the spellings in the text. Children learning to read with phonics benefit from reading decodable texts because they allow […]
Read MoreWhat is wrong with levelled readers?
Seplfabet explains how levelled readers do not develop the decoding skills children need to become fluent readers. http://www.spelfabet.com.au/2016/02/levelled-books-for-guided-reading/
Read MoreDecodable books – why they are important
What are decodable books? For people who can read – all books are decodable. For children who are learning to read – decodable books are controlled texts that they can decode at each level as they acquire literacy (by sounding out […]
Read More"I call a decodable text a ‘no tricks book’." Why and how to use decodables
Here is a straightforward explanation about the usefulness of decodable books for children learning to read. ‘The look on children’s faces when they realise how easy reading is – knowing the sounds and connecting them to graphemes on the page. […]
Read MoreIndependent review of new ‘Dandelion Readers’ and ‘Rescue’ series
Thank you Melinda Crean, of Top Notch Teaching website, for reviewing the ‘Rescue’ series and Dandelion Readers Level 4, ‘Toad and Newt’. To see the review click here and scroll down: http://topnotchteaching.com/reviews/reading-spelling-ideas/
Read MoreSpecial Needs Information Press reviews Rescue Series
Rescue Series – from Phonic Books Stories by Clair Baker Illustrations by Drew Wilson This is another well designed and structure reading series produce by Phonic Books. The engaging storylines and accompanying illustrations will appeal to the readers and will […]
Read More5 year old in Spain learns to read English with Phonic Books
Watch this sweet video clip of a 5 year old in Spain learning to read English with Dandelion Launchers.
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