Language Arts

Kindergarten Phonics for Young Catholics

Book cover: 'Kindergarten Phonics for Young Catholics'
Number of pages: 
182 pages
Copyright: 
1997
Publisher: 
Seton Educational Media
Binding: 
Softcover
Subject(s): 
Grade / Age level: 
Review: 

This volume begins with Unit three. It reviews the Alphabet sound list. Then it covers the following letters: N (including a N/M discrimination), W, C, R, P, Q, V, X, Y, Z. The lessons are the same setup as in Volume 1 (as explained above for the letter "S").

Unit four introduces the vowels. It begins by reviewing the consonants. Then it introduces Short "A". The lessons are as follows for Short "A". First is: recognizing the short sound of Aa. Then Short Vowel Aa. Then blending consonants with the short sound of Aa. Then Short Vowel Aa. Finally the short Aa sound in sentences. This is repeated for Short E, I, O and U. There are reviews after every two vowel sounds taught.

Unit 5 begins by reviewing consonants and short vowels. Then it teaches the two sounds of "C" and "G". Then it begins the long vowels.

It begins in with A. The lessons go as follows: First recognizing the long sound of Aa. Then discriminating between long and short A. Then blending consents with long A. Then again recognizing sound of the long and short A. Then it goes on to E, I, O, U long vowels. Reviews after *each* vowel.

The next section teaches consonant blends like SM, CR, PL, TR, GL, ST as initial sounds. Then final sound consonant blends like CK, NG, MP, SK, NK, and ST. Then the digraph TH is taught and the difference between T and TH.

The final section of volume two is about Y as a vowel. There are three lessons here involving Y with A, with E, and with I in one or two syllable words. The final two lessons are reading a little story about a puppy and answering questions for comprehension.

Reviewed by: 
First reviewed: 
2-9-01

Wordly Wise

Book cover: Wordly Wise Book 4
Author(s): 
Kenneth Hodkinson
Joseph Ornato
Number of pages: 
148 pages
Copyright: 
1997
ISBN / ID: 
9780838804346
Publisher: 
Educators Publishing Service
Binding: 
Softcover
Subject(s): 
Grade / Age level: 
Review: 

Wordly Wise is a terrific spelling program - inexpensive and readily available from most homeschool companies. It was originally written in 1967, but has lived through many revisions. Each lesson is divided into four sections, with the fifth day being a test. Fits perfect into any homeschooler's weekly schedule!

One disadvantage is the book cover. Because the cover is soft, it is best to cover it with plastic to extend the life of the book. I have not yet felt the need of a teacher's key. My daughter is at the grade eight level, and I know that I may soon change my mind about the teacher's key.

The big difference in Wordly Wise is the calibre of the word lists. I have found that the lists are advanced, but not unattainable. Another bonus is the information given at the end of each lesson - spelling hints, pronunciation help, and word origins. I find that there is an emphasis on word origins, as well as on derivatives. All in all, it's a spelling program that I'd highly recommend. It is also recommended by Laura Berquist in Designing Your Own Classical Curriculum.
 

Additional notes: 

Be aware that there are newer "Wordly Wise" series that have issues with political correctness and some age-inappropriate content. They are also more geared to test-taking. We tried the Wordly Wise 3000 series and were disappointed despite the nicer layout etc. It was back to the old series of books for us! ~ Suchi

Reviewed by: 
First reviewed: 
1998-99

Also see:

You may also wish to look at our Phonics page as spelling is included in many of the phonics programs.

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