The essence of Happy Phonics is to introduce phonics
concepts a few at a time and then play games for retention. Written by a homeschool
mom, Mrs. Hopkins has boiled the entire process down into eight steps: alphabet
song; capital letters match lowercase letters; the main sound for each letter;
blend letter sounds to form a word; teach common non-phonetic (sight) words;
teach vowels that can make a second sound; teach through the phonic units;
READ.
The games and other reinforcement activities are a central
component of this program, and some preparation is required. Cutting out and
possibly laminating the games is the most time-consuming part of the program.
The author suggests that lesson time be about 10 minutes a day. The package
contains the Happy Phonics Guidebook, “My Big Book,” and plenty of
printed, brightly colored paper and cardstock - flashcards, game components,
first little readers and spelling lists. The Guidebook contains the Eight Steps
along with specific how-to instructions for each step. Suggestions for written
practice and supplemental readers are found in the program.
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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.
