Building Words Books & Tiles

Description

Hands-on phonics practice and reinforcement - very nicely done! Utilizing a word family approach to phonics, there is some instruction but mostly practice and progression in this series. Each book provides a different type of phonics practice starting with making three and four letter words and progressing to word chains (start with one word and change one letter at a time making words all along the way in order to arrive at an entirely different word) and then on to prefix and suffix practice. The books are easy to use with reproducible (for classroom) worksheets that are designed to interface perfectly with the tiles, or you can provide paper tiles by either copying the master in the back of the book or just cutting it apart. There are some brief teaching notes in the beginning and an answer key in the back. The books are great but I have to admit that the real "difference" for me in this program are the tiles. They feel good - very good - to my hands so I can't help thinking they would be a big hit with little people. Most of the tile sets are clear acrylic and are designed to be used with overhead projectors. I was puzzled at first as to their value in a home classroom but then realized how beautifully they work with the black and white worksheets. Because you can see through them, you preserve the visual integrity of the word. The tiles could be used with any phonics program or workbook but the font matches and these books are designed to accommodate the tiles. ~ Janice

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.