Links and Resources Related to Phonics
Otherwise Known as Simplified Spelling.
Phonics Through Poetry by Babs Bell Hajdusiewicz
This book provides 115 cleverly-worded poems that grab the attention of children aged 5 to 7. The poems use the rhythm and rhyme of fun poetry to teach phonics! The poems are meant to be read aloud so that children hear a particular language sound again and again, in word after word, all within an exciting and meaningful context.
This is a fantastic book! If you have a K-1 combination class, this book of poetry is perfect for holding their interest. The best thing is that the kids LOVE the poems. They are fun and catchy. There are many ideas for extension activities. You can even think of your own. Available used at $9.00 at Amazon by clicking above.
http://www.englishspellingproblems.co.uk/
This site presents a broad range of convincing English reading and spelling problems.
It demonstrates why literacy rates are so low in English speaking countries.
The average English-speaking child takes nearly three times longer to learn the basics of reading and writing than users of other alphabetic writing systems. Numerous surveys in Anglophone countries during the past five decades have established that nearly half of all English speakers have severe difficulties with writing.
Ebay - Hundreds of Books on Teaching Phonics
If you click this button-link, it will instantly search all of the Ebay resources to find phonics books, flip cards, work-sheets, and teacher's materials that will assist any parent or teacher who is about to use phonics as a method of getting children to sound-out syllables and phonemes.
The result when you click this link WILL BE QUITE ASTONISHING. At any given moment in time, thousands of parents have moved past the "teaching phonics" phase with their children, so they post their materials at the Ebay site. Expect books and materials priced at $3.00 and up - or bid for them in auction style. Truly, this is a trove of broad resources available at very low cost. Click this link just to be amazed if for no other reason. Be sure to scroll down.
Book: Understanding English Spelling by Masha Bell.
This book analyzes the regularities and irregularities of the English spelling system. Word lists in the book are useful for teachers and parents who are teaching reading and spelling. Persons interested in the improvment of English spelling will benefit because the bookt not only explains why English literacy acquisition is slow and difficult, but it shows which spellings are most detrimental to literacy progress and in most urgent need of repair. Available at Amazon.com by clicking above.
http://www.SpellingSociety.org
The Simplified Spelling Society (SSS) started in 1908. They publish leaflets, newsletters, journals, books and bulletins to promote spelling reform of the English language. They are featured in the media on TV, on Radio and in Print. They publish a peer-reviewed journal.
Like all languages with phonetic writing systems a reform would do away with wasteful spelling classes for children learning English. The effects of dyslexia are made worse by the chaotic English spelling. The Spelling Bee (BeeMan visits Spelling Bee) is unknown in countries with phonetic (or should that not be "fonetic"?) spelling. The updating of English spelling would be of benefit to many more than just the Anglo-Saxon world, but also the world of TEFL where other languages are spoken in addition to English.
Book: Spelling Dearest
"Spelling Dearest" - The Down and Dirty, Nitty-Gritty History of English Spelling) by Niall McLeod Waldman is an irreverent tell-all book.s It reveals why English spelling is so needlessly difficult. The crucial events, the intentional complexity, the downright blunders are all there including names and dates of those who caused our misery. This book is "pithy and profound." The New Orleans Times says, "it's an informative, free-flowing, humorous and historic look at how we screwed up so badly for so many years." Spelling Dearest takes a lighthearted stab at the weakest part of the written English language. Available at Amazon.com by clicking above.