Learn to Read

Given the confusion (decades old) over the proper way to teach Johnny how to read, it's not surprising that non-academics are now cropping up to take a shot at the problem. The Learn to Read program, packaged and promoted pretty much the way an infomercial-like product is (with loads of guarantees and testimonials) consists of four short videos with accompanying mini-books (rather drab coloring books). The video programs, which start in a day care setting with Miss Debbie (who only stumbles occasionally over cue cards), a group of enthusiastic cherubs, and a low-budget puppet named Alphie who's modeled as closely as possible in look and tone on the Sesame Street characters, teach the alphabet, vowels, consonants, blends, and how to read...in a manner that is depressingly, predictably humdrum. The alphabet segment is pretty straightforward, but succeeding volumes offer word choices that seem to follow no discernable pattern and the accompanying skits are downright weird: what do you make of a sketch (remember this is a reading video) in which the kids make a pizza while singing "I'm a Little Teapot"? The brainchild of former teacher Seth Gross, Learn to Read will capture a few viewers with hype, but this is not a high quality phonics program, either production or content-wise. Not recommended. Aud: K, P. (R. Pitman)