Description
The First Steps to Reading for Adults is a 20-week course (requiring a 5 days a week commitment) designed specifically for illiterate adults. It uses the ‘science of reading‘ principles and begins by systematically introducing the basic sound represented by each of the letters of the alphabet and then progresses to more complex phonemes and their common graphic form using a multisensory format.
These concepts are then applied to:
- A rapid decoding activity (to encourage recognition within other letter strings)
- Vocabulary development related the focus graphemes
- An oral reading activity (containing the vocabulary learned in isolation along with the introduction of frequently used words which the student does not have the current knowledge to decode independently)
- A comprehension activity linked to the oral reading and vocabulary
- A word building activity
- A chunking activity containing the focus grapheme(s) which teaches students how to break words into smaller units to reduce the load on working memory
- A phonological processing activity as this is a skill that underpins reading and spelling.
The program has been designed so that each section complements and reinforces the other sections. Students who already know the sounds of the alphabet can start at Unit 8.
Nicole Moustakas –
This program is great. I recommend it for teaching ESL 1:1. I have been using it almost daily to tutor two ESL brothers from Bhutan. One of them, Lama, has a moderate ability to speak and read English, while the other, Kuenga, has very limited English proficiency. However, neither of them had prior phonics knowledge.
Obviously, the program was not designed for ESL so to support Kuenga further, I have supplemented the program with additional lessons focused on workplace vocabulary, speaking, and general communication skills. Both brothers have expressed how much they have learned. Lama, in particular, shared that he is now able to read a book independently, something he previously struggled with due to a lack of fluency and decoding skills. This was after several weeks of lessons.
The picture stories included in the program are invaluable in learning the different ways one sound can be represented. I look forward to purchasing these posters once they become available. Plus, the visual cues for each sound are incredibly effective in helping the information stay in their long-term memory. The program is structured logically, and I appreciate the inclusion of useful tips and spelling rules.
Additionally, I have been using the Sounds Hearing book to provide extra practice in distinguishing similar vowel sounds, such as ‘i’ and ‘e,’ and addressing other areas as needed.
After covering the first seven units on single sounds, we began reading the Adult Decodable Books, which feature engaging and interesting stories. The chunking strategy taught in the program has been particularly helpful for tackling difficult, unfamiliar words. We are also working on spelling the 300 high-frequency words recommended by Cracking the ABC Code, and the workbook has been valuable in expanding vocabulary.
Since I am teaching the program daily, I have been moving through it at a faster pace, covering 2–3 lessons per day, such as one from Unit 7 and another from Unit 8.
Pronunciation was initially quite challenging for both brothers, which is why I incorporated the Australian Kid Lips Cards from Literacy Concepts Pty Ltd (Tools 4 Reading). This was very helpful in refining their pronunciation skills.
Currently, Lama is up to about lesson 13-14 and Keunga 8-9, and I am happy with how easy the program is to implement and its overall effectiveness.