Reading & Writing, Reference 

Book 2 covers consonant teams (sh, ch, th, and wh), vowels with r and y , and irregular double vowels.; ISBN: 0838826032. This series teaches phonics to either beginning readers or older children who have difficulty learning to read. It combines two important kinds of instruction. First, it provides a solid foundation in basic phonics, presented in a carefully ordered sequence of "bite-sized" lessons that will not discourage young students. It also contains a wide selection of reading selections that appeal to diverse interests: adventures, folk tales, history, science fiction, biographies, and animals studies. Reading formats include a map, a menu, an ad, a newspaper article and a recipe. But they only contain the phonics sounds that have been taught. The reading selections are a bit longer than those in many other programs (The longest in Book One are about two - three pages long.) Comprehension and critical thinking skills are integrated into the entire program. Students will need to become involved, question, and search for answers. They will learn to see cause and effect, come to logical conclusions, and understand figures of speech. They will also develop new vocabulary and the ability to understand and use words in many contexts. Students also will have the opportunity to practice writing after every reading selection. Workbooks are consumable and the same format is used in each lesson so that students can concentrate on learning new skills rather than expending energy on figuring out what to do next. Each lesson begins with a phonics rule, highlighted in red. A list of practice words follows that illustrate the rule or definition. Then activities and exercises reinforce the sound taught in the lesson, provide the opportunity for students to see the words in context, expand vocabulary, and develop comprehension and critical thinking skills. Graphics are appropriate for any elementary age child. - from Amzon