The methodology is generally referred to as Multi-Sensory Explicit Phonics. It is taught using the Socratic method of asking questions in a manner that elicits a correct answer. Repitition and sucessful completion of the tasks give the student confidence and a sense of accomplishment.
In addition to the phonograms, PHONOGRAPHICS teaches letter formation. Using classroom tested scripts, the student is taught how to form the letters and their relationship to other. It is amazing how quickly students catch on to letter formation when it is presented in a logical, understandable manner.
To top it off we provide a number of practice and testing tracks (many more are provided in PHONORAPHICSEXTRA!). We also provide a 4 - View track. Some students just don't see how their mouths need to be shaped to form the correct sounds. The 4 - View helps them solve that problem.
INTRODUCTION - The DVD starts out with an Introduction - about 12 minutes long. This is an overview that will help you (the parent or teacher) understand the techniques used and how to proceed. You can play it for your student as well but it may be somewhat difficult for first-learners to grasp. Play it for them a little later.
The Introduction goes on the explain the Multi-Sensory aspects of this method. Have you ever noticed that you have to write something down to remember it. That's an example of learning by a different sensory method. We teach using all four sensory methods. Not only do students learn by their strongest sense but their others are remediated in the process. It gives them the best chance of learning and adds to their abilities.
We offer a unique set of phonogram cards that are completely coordinated with PONOGRAPHICS in every way. You don't have to have them but it makes teaching the phonograms easier.
Finally, the Introduction discusses how we help the student evaluate their own work. We feel that it is important for the student to have a way to tell whether their work is acceptable. We also explain why we do certain things that may be slightly different than other programs. This includes the way we teach "q - qu" and the "gh" phonograms.
LINE CHART - It is essential that the student understand the Line Chart. For one thing, we don't teach the same concepts over and over. If the student is having trouble doing accepable work, it is up to them or the parent/teacher to review the sections they need. All of the later work is built upon the concepts taught in the Line Chart. It is less than 24 minutes in length but it is chalk full of important comcepts.
LETTER FORMATION - This section teaches the letter formation for all of the lowercase and uppercase letters. Watch the directions first and then go for it! We have included some features that will help the student who is already being taught a dot-to-dot or copy method in their regular school. Remember to have the student evaluate their own work.
PHONOGRAMS - These are the teaching tracks for the phonograms. Play the Directions track for your student. We recommend that you teach the lowercase letters first. However, some programs want the student to learn the capital letters first. You will usually want to bite off about 4 each day reviewing the previous phonograms every day. Skip a day once a week or so and review everything you've done. You should get through all of them in about 4 to 6 weeks. Continue to review until they are all mastered.
PRACTICE & TESTING - There are 8 practice tracks of various types. The phonograms are presented in random order. After your student has learned half of the alphabet you can start using these tracks. When your student has learned the sounds for all of the letters, use the appropriate testing track to evaluate their progress. Then you can review the areas that need work. If you want to test your student, you can play the individual phonogram tracks for the letter you want to review or you can use the Phonogram Cards (purchased separately.
4 VIEW - This is a unique track. It shows the sounds presented from several angles and in close-up. Some students have an issue positioning their mouths corectly to form the sounds of the phonograms. It also shows all of the phonorams that make the same sounds. Although it is intended for the student that is having problems, we have found that most students enjoy the track. You will notice them experimenting with their mouths in an attempt to see what they might want to change.
CHECKPOINTS - The Checkpoints were originally introduced in Letter Formation. They help the student evaluate their work. Use this track to help them remember the checkpoints and to review letter formation.
We Teach Kids To Learn!
