Phonics Handbook

One in four school students struggle to read. Phonics Handbook has been written to give assistance to teachers in helping students with these reading difficulties. Taking a phonological approach, the book is set out in the form of lesson plans that can be used instantly, requiring no preparation. This book is the result of five years research trials in reading clinics directed by the author. Phonics Handbook includes lesson plans for every phonics skill: from the basic alphabet sounds to blends, digraphs and syllable breaking. Each lesson is followed by a worksheet for students. The book includes diagnostic assessments of phoneme awareness, basic decoding skills, invented spelling, writing, and attitudes to reading. There is a test of word reading and an informal reading inventory. In this way, the book helps the tutor make assessments, of the students' needs at the outset, and of whether the tutoring has been effective at the end of the programme. Finally, the book offers a range of alternative teaching strategies. It includes advice on helping students with English as a second language, as well as those with difficulties ranging from dyslexia to motivation and attention problems. Whether the aim is to reinforce spelling, assist reading comprehension, or teach 'hard to teach' students, Phonics Handbook gives research-based advice on best practice. Tom Nicholson is a Professor of Education at The University of Auckland, New Zealand.Nicholson, Tom is the author of 'Phonics Handbook', published 2006 under ISBN 9781861564382 and ISBN 1861564384.