Sound Bytes Reading is a solid, phonetically comprehensive program
with reinforcing reading text incorporated directly in the book. It has some
similarities to Alpha-Phonics and Teach Your Child to Read in 100
Easy Lessons, but with improved teacher instruction, lesson implementation,
and textual presentation. As in those popular programs, your child will begin
reading as soon as the first letter sounds are taught. And, in 90 lessons, your
child will be reading at a beginning 3rd grade reading level. This program is
also recommended for both remedial and ELL students.
Prior to beginning the lessons, your child should have
letter name and recognition skills and some phonemic awareness (the author
provides background and methods for teaching these). The author also presents
a great spelling methodology, complete with word lists, to integrate with
lessons. The program teaches roughly 80 common sound/spelling patterns, based
on the Orton- Gillingham phonograms as well as nearly all of the 100 most
common sight words. Most lessons follow a similar format. Previously introduced
sounds are reviewed, 1-2 new sounds are introduced, sight words (if any) are
presented, new sounds are practiced in words, then sentences, and a story using
only old and newly learned sounds and sight words is read. Lessons should take
from 15-30 minutes per day. The author suggests following up her program by
having your child read books from a carefully sequenced list included at the
end of the book.
These icons are designed to help you quickly understand and learn important information about our products.
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.
