Alpha Phonics

by Laurie
(Wisconsin)

Product: Alpha Phonics
Subject: Reading, Phonics
Levels Used: I have used this book to teach children just learning to read, and as a remedial reading program for a 6th grader

Likes: This is a very successful approach for some children. It groups words into categories, and teaches one “rule” at a time. It is excellent for helping students learn to spell as they learn to read. It takes a short amount of time (10-20 minutes) daily. The book is very plain – no pictures, which some children find boring, but helps focus the attention on the words.

I tutored a 6th grader who was in a remedial reading program. We worked through the book at an accelerated rate – completed it over the summer – and when school started again she was tested and found to be reading at grade level.

Dislikes:
I wish it included books, or a list of recommended books, to use for reading practice with the various word groups. It would be helpful to have books that emphasized the word groups being taught. Some people use Bob books for the early levels, but it takes extra effort to find books for the later levels.