First Steps In Reading & Stepping Up In Reading

Description

While specifically written to coordinate with Preventing Academic Failure (PAF), these books may be used with any beginning phonics/reading program. First Steps in Reading is used in lessons 1-16 of the PAF program and introduces the following letters and sounds: c, a, t, d, g, s, f, m, l, h, p, n as well as the sight words "a" and "I" using a variety of exercises. Students read their first word ("cat") after introduction of the first three letters. The book also supplies word lists to be read as well as short "stories". The Stepping Up in Reading books are more geared toward building accuracy and fluency in reading. They contain word lists, phrase lists, sentence lists and activities using them. Stepping Up in Reading 1 is used in lessons 17-96 of the PAF program. It introduces the rest of the short vowels and consonants, provides practice decoding and encoding CVC words, introduces consonant digraphs th, ch, and sh, final blends, VCCV syllable division, compound words, suffixes (-s, -es, -ing, -ed, -er), 20 high-frequency sight words, and sentences that focus on sentence types and basic grammar. Stepping Up in Reading 2 is used for lessons 97-158. It covers beginning consonant blends; long vowels; VCV syllable division; open, closed, silent e, r-controlled, and vowel team syllables; suffixes (-est, -ful, -less, -ly, -y); 35 high-frequency sight words; and sentences that focus on multiple-meaning words and idioms. The final book, Stepping Up in Reading 3, is used for lessons 159-245. It covers vowel digraphs, vowel diphthongs, soft c and g, silent letters, three+ multisyllabic root words, additional sight words, and sentences that focus on content-based vocabulary.

Teaching Method
Traditional
Teacher-centered curriculum commonly used in classrooms that may include a text, teacher manual, tests, etc.
Charlotte Mason
A methodology based on the work of a 19th century educator who maintained that children learn best from literature (Living Books), not textbooks.
Classical
A methodology based on the Latin Trivium (three stages of learning), including the grammar stage (memorization and facts), logic stage (critical thinking), and rhetoric stage (developing/defending ideas).
Unit Study
A thematic or topical approach centered around one topic that integrates multiple subject areas.
Montessori (Discovery)
A methodology based on the work of a 20th century educator that emphasizes student and sensory-driven discovery learning and real-life applications.
Other
Other methodologies
Religious Content
Secular
Contains content contrary to common Christian beliefs (i.e. evolution).
Neutral
Avoids religious or theoretical topics or presents multiple viewpoints without preference.
Christian/Religious
Faith-based or including instructional religious content.
Learning Modality
Auditory
Learns through listening, talking out loud or reading out loud.
Visual
Learns through seeing, prefers written instructions and visual materials.
Kinesthetic/Tactile (Hands-On)
Learns through moving, doing and touching.
Multi-Sensory
Curriculum that employ a variety of activities/components.
Presentation
Sequential
Curriculum progresses through well-defined learning objectives. Emphasizes mastery before moving to the next topic.
Spiral
Topics and concepts are repeated from level to level, adding more depth at each pass and connecting with review.
Conceptual/Topical
Focus is on the “why,” often with a unifying concept as well as specific skills; coverage may be broader.
Teacher Involvement
Low Teacher Involvement
Student-led materials; parent acts as a facilitator.
Medium Teacher Involvement
A mix of teacher-led time and independent student work.
High Teacher Involvement
Teacher-led lessons; may utilize discussions, hands-on activities and working together.
Additional Materials Required
No other materials needed
Everything you need is included.
Other Materials Required
There are additional required resources that are a separate purchase.
Other Materials Optional
There are additional resources mentioned or recommended but are not absolutely necessary.
Consumable
Consumable
Designed to be written in; not reusable.
Non-Consumable
Not designed to be written in; reusable.