PRIDE Beginning Letters & Sounds Teaching Guide (3rd Edition)

If you are looking for a complete, systematic phonics program that uses Orton-Gillingham multisensory methods and incorporates spelling, Pride Reading does not disappoint. Aligned with the Science of Reading, this research-based program benefits any child learning to read but is particularly helpful for struggling learners. The systematic, structured approach and easy-to-follow lessons make it a win-win for the student and teacher. The pre-reading level and following Levels 1-5 provide comprehensive reading instruction. After completing Level 5, students should be at a 6^th grade reading/spelling level. If the student is familiar with and knows his/her letter sounds, he/she can start in Level 1. Before beginning the program, you will receive a link with a 40-minute overview (with videos) on how to use the program successfully. Some students will most likely complete more than one level per year, but it’s important to go at your child’s pace. Every level contains three different lessons for each phonics concept: Introduction, Practice, and Reinforcement. Each lesson takes about 30-40 minutes to complete (depending on the student) and can be done in one day or broken down into multiple days. Before moving on to another phonics concept, students should perform at least 80% on a progress check. Students also have access to fun computer games for extra practice on the publisher’s website. Spelling pages include some handwriting practice for sound, word, and sentence dictation; however, younger students will most likely need a separate handwriting program. A placement test is available to ensure your child is starting at the correct level. Components for each level include a Teacher Guide and Student Workbook, Sound Cards, Letter Tiles and Activity Kit, Student Record Book Bundle, and Teacher Assessment Guide.

  The spiral-bound Teacher Guide is the key element and is necessary for implementing the program. It provides scripted lessons for every step. Spiral-bound Student Workbooks for Levels 1-5 include black-and-white pages consisting of word lists, sentences, short stories, story sequencing, spelling pages for dictation, fluency practice, and games.

  The required components used in every level of the program include the Sound Cards and Letter Tiles and Activity Kit. Sound Cards are color-coded to match the different levels and to differentiate between consonants, vowels, prefixes and suffixes, and less common pronunciations. The Letter Tiles and Activity Kit includes color-coded letter tiles that match the sound cards, blank tiles, a 12” x 9” dry-erase board, black and red pens, a whiteboard eraser, a reading tracker, and a game die.

 Two optional resources make it easy to assess your student’s performance. The Teacher Assessment Guide includes an initial placement test, progress checks, and post-level assessments for each level. The Student Record Book allows you to keep track of your student’s progress for all levels. Progress checks are also included in the student books. ~ Gina