Phonics Pathways

Phonics Pathways

Clear Steps to Easy Reading And Perfect Spelling

by Dolores G. Hiskes
Publisher: Jossey-Bass
9th Edition, ©2005, ISBN: 9780787979102
Softcover Teacher Guide / Answer Key, 266 pages
Current Retail Price: $29.95
Not in stock

Phonics Pathways (with help from Dewey the Bookworm) teaches students of all ages the rudiments of phonics and spelling with an efficient, practical, and foolproof method. Written in an easy-to-use format, it is organized by sounds and spelling patterns. The patterns are introduced one at a time and slowly built into syllables, words, phrases, and sentences. Printed in a large 8-1/2" x 11" lay-flat format for easy photocopying, Phonics Pathways is filled with illustrative examples, word lists, and practice readings that are 100 percent decodable. While appropriate for K-2 emergent readers, this award-winning book has also been used successfully with adolescent and adult learners, as well as second language learners and students with learning disabilities such as dyslexia.

This completely redesigned 9th edition has the same content as earlier versions, but with many added features: a new spelling rule index, additional spelling charts, more proverbs, updated introduction, a new cover, and all-new, greatly enhanced graphics.

We recommend it as a stand-alone or as a follow-up to Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons.

Benefits to this book:

  • User-friendly - Letters are added only one at a time, and systematically built into syllables, words, and sentences. Step-by-step directions begin every lesson-no other material is needed and no previous experience is necessary.

  • 100% decodable - Extensive examples, word lists, and practice readings are 100% decodable-only comprised of sounds and rules learned so far. Multiple pictures illustrate every letter introduced. Continuous review ensures retention.

  • Spelling reference - Spelling rules were gathered for thirty years from sources all over the world. Contains all diacritical markings. Quick-reference spelling and pronunciation charts. Index to all spelling rules and patterns. Extensive teaching tips and spelling short cuts.

  • Dyslexic or remedial - Multisensory method addresses all learning styles. A special graduated blending technique strengthens eye tracking and increases eye span. Helps prevent or correct letter/word reversals. Vision/motor developmental exercises.

  • Builds character - Wise, humorous proverbs offer a wealth of insight and encouragement. Encourages virtues such as patience, perseverance, honesty, kindness, courage, and loyalty. Students will delight in Dewey the Bookworm and the whimsical illustrations!
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  Excellent Phonics Program
TammyA of Oregon, 10/18/2011
Phonics Pathways, in my opinion, is as complete and concise of phonics programs as they come, which is an amazing feat as complete and concise generally are at odds in phonics programs.

Phonics Pathways includes all the basic phonograms, almost as complete as Writing Road to Reading, but is presented in a concise, easy to use format that is similar to Alpha Phonics and 100 Easy Lessons. The teacher simply picks up the book and begins to use it with the student.

You won't find fill in the blank workbook pages here, nor will you find lots of reading stories to entertain, as the practice material is short and simple, but you will find on each page a concise phonics lesson that is presented in a very straightforward manner. I like how Phonics Pathways uses letter ladder blends (ta, ta-n, ti, ti-n, etc.) rather than word families (hat, cat, sat). So often word families are simply sight reading dressed up as phonics especially when the simple word families fall away and the child has to learn how to break down long words into syllables without any tools...letter ladders skills are very useful here as the child already understands consonant/vowel blending in a left-right manner.

Because of its thoroughness and conciseness, Phonics Pathways can stand alone as your sole phonics program; you would only need to add additional reading material such as controlled readers like those found in the American Language Series, or any others that strike your child's fancy.

If you discover that you need to spice the program up with some fun, you can either take the suggestions given in the book and create some simple games yourself, or purchase the game package sold by Phonics Pathways or use Beall's phonics games. I like being able to do that rather than buying an expensive big program with lots of games and stuff only to find out the child doesn't need all those extra bells and whistles afterall.

I highly recommend Phonics Pathways for those who like their phonics complete, simple, and easy to adjust up or down as needed.

I've used Phonics Pathways for first-time readers as well as remedial readers. It also is an excellent second time around refresher for those who need to relearn basic phonics.