Developed by former teachers Brenda Thomas and Linda Bardorf, this comprehensive guide to phonetics-based reading is a well-produced and engaging step-by-step approach to learning to read. Hosted by Natalie Jacobson, the tapes are broken down into 12 lessons which introduce the alphabet, discuss long and short vowels, cover various consonant blends, explain digraphs and dipthongs, examine prefixes and suffixes, outline patterns and exceptions, and demonstrate syllable division. Good computer graphics are used to enhance the production, and many exercises are offered for the student to work on. While purely phonetic-based reading instruction does tend to run up against a few major brick walls (a.k.a. "exceptions to the rules"), Thomas and Bardorf have done an excellent job of taking phonetic reading to its limits and warning viewers that there are many exceptions in the English language. (Of course, the rule that "q" never stands alone is going to immediately bring to mind "Iraq" to many people-but that's a name so it doesn't count.) Highly recommended for libraries, especially those with literacy programs. (Available from: Video Schoolhouse, Inc., P.O. Box 180, Bedford, NH 03102-0180.)
You Can Read!
(1990) 2 tapes. 205 m. $50. Video Schoolhouse. Public performance rights included. Color cover. Vol. 6, Issue 7
You Can Read!
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