Word-sound associations is a key component of Abeka phonics and there are examples in all aspects of their material. In this set of 6" x 4" cards the special sounds are each presented along with a clue word. The sound is on the front side of the card and the clue word on the reverse side. Additional words with the same sound are in small print at the bottom of the card. In the case of a letter combination that produces more than one sound, small blue lines radiate out from the last letter with a corresponding number of lines for the number of possible sounds. There is a word for each of these sounds on the reverse side. The colorful borders of each card are coded to the various special sound charts. 117 total cards made from colorful, heavy cardstock.
Abeka Clue Word Cards
Description
Special phonics sounds are easy when your child remembers the clue word that goes with them, such as ck in duck. Reinforce the special sounds introduced in the Basic Phonics Reading Program with the Clue Word Cards. Each card has a special phonics sound on one side of the card and its corresponding clue word on the opposite side of the card. The 119 cards are color-coded to match the phonics charts so that you can quickly find just the cards that you want to review. The clue-word side of the card also includes two other words that incorporate the special sound for the parent's reference. K5–gr. 1.
Abeka Phonics is a systematic, intensive, multi-sensory phonics program known for producing strong, confident early readers. Used from Preschool through 2nd grade, it forms the foundation of Abeka’s Language Arts curriculum and is a major focus in their K4 and K5 programs.
Abeka teaches phonics explicitly rather than relying on sight words or whole language methods. The program uses a combination of teacher instruction, flashcards, chants with hand motions, blend ladders, phonetic marking, and daily reading practice to create a truly multi-sensory experience.
Six Basic Steps of Phonics Instruction:
- Learn short vowel sounds
- Learn consonant sounds
- Blend consonants and vowels using front-end blending
- Sound out one-vowel words
- Learn long vowel sounds and two-vowel words
- Master special sounds (blends, digraphs, r-controlled vowels, and more)
How Abeka Phonics Progresses by Grade:
- PK/K4: Focuses on letter recognition, short vowels, consonants, and early blending. Lessons are very teacher-directed with lots of repetition.
- K5: Reviews previous skills and introduces long vowels mid-year, followed by special sounds. Students get daily phonics lessons with strong emphasis on mastery.
- Grades 1-2: Phonics instruction continues but is fully integrated with reading, spelling, handwriting, and grammar as part of a complete Language Arts program.
Key Features of Abeka Phonics:
- Unique front-end blending approach
- One simple rule for long vowels that covers both silent-e words and vowel pairs
- Heavy review and repetition built into every lesson
- Strong focus on reading fluency and comprehension
Important Note: Abeka Phonics works best when used with the full Abeka Curriculum/Lesson Plans, which reference readers, workbooks, flashcards, and other materials. While the phonics portion can be used somewhat independently in the early years, it becomes increasingly integrated with other language arts subjects in 1st and 2nd grade.
Abeka Phonics is an excellent choice for families who want a traditional, structured, and proven phonics program that emphasizes mastery and produces early, strong readers.
| Product Format: | Paperback |
|---|---|
| Grades: | K-3 |
| Brand: | Abeka |
| ISBN: | 9780000182906 |
| Length in Inches: | 4.875 |
| Width in Inches: | 6.625 |
| Height in Inches: | 1.75 |
| Weight in Pounds: | 1.3 |