Review: Phonics Pathways

Posted by Karin | 0 comments

Appropriate for K-2 emergent readers, Phonics Pathways (Jossey-Bass; 2005 9th edition) teaches students the rudiments of phonics and spelling in a practical well organized manner. Sounds and spelling patterns are introduced one at a time and are then slowly built into words, syllables, phrases and finally, sentences. The sounds and syllables are learned in the same way math is learned—by pattern and order of complexity. This multi-sensory method addresses all learning styles and is also effective for those with learning disabilities, such as dyslexia.

As determined by the National Reading Panel, children who learn to read through a systematic,k sequential, and explicit phonics-based approach make more progress than children who learn to read without such instruction.

One of the features that sets Phonics Pathways apart from other Phonics programs is that reading and spelling are taught as an integrated unit. Accuracy in reading and spelling is taught in the very first lesson! Author and educator Dolores G. Hiskes believes that teaching them together enhances and reinforces both skills.

If we are limited to reading only words we know, and guessing at new words through context clues, we are confined within the boundaries of our current vocabularies and thoughts, interpreting things only from within our own shallow perspectives.
Phonics Pathways page xiii

Fun (reproducible) learning games are sprinkled throughout the book and help reinforce concepts in a way that seems less like study work and more like entertainment. Additional supplemental games are available for purchase, but are not required. Although it is advisable to follow the lessons in order, they are not numbered so that the teacher and student(s) may progress at their own pace. The book’s layout is attractive and uses 24-point letters in its lessons for easier reading by both teacher and student.

Lower case letters are primarily featured as that is what the child will see most on the page as they begin to read independently. It is recommended that students progress at least to page 49 before attempting to read Early Readers for the first time. This will give them the most practice with the sight words they are likely to encounter and reduce frustration.

In my opinion this is not a book that you finish in a school year but rather one that you progress through over 2 or more years, depending on your child. It can be used as an entire reading curriculum or a supplement to an existing one. There is no written teaching script, teachers guide or workbook and the text varies between addressing the student directly and offering random Teaching Tips to the instructor. Parents who prefer detailed instructions or lesson plans should consider this before purchasing.

Spelling strategies are detailed on pages 238-243 and a variety of manipulatives such as magnetic or tile letters, chalk boards, or individual white boards are suggested and encouraged. Eclectic homeschoolers or those who love to piece together their own curriculum or supplemental activities will find many opportunities to do so while using this guide.

For more information download the FREE Guide to Phonics Pathways and Reading Pathways.

Karin Katherine is a proud stay-at-home mother of four who feels blessed to be the mother of 5 year old fraternal twin boys and two daughters, ages three and 10 months. You are invited to follow her homeschooling adventures at www.PassportAcademy.com and her adventures as a mother, wife, homemaker, decorator and organizer at www.MommyMattersBlog.com