A series of fun stories using very simple synthetic phonic-based text.
Synthetic phonic learning is the process of reading by sounding the individual
sounds of a word and then blending them together to read the word as a whole.
With fold out flaps to make the reading experience more interactive.
Written in conjunction with an educational psychology expert.
Children’s Literature
Phonics can be ‘phun,’ especially with a cute story like Toad Makes a Road. It
is the story of a toad that builds a house on a hill and must create a road so
her friends can come and visit. But more than that, the book is based on the
idea that children learn to read by recognizing phonemes-the 40 sounds that
make up the words of the English language. Phonics is the linking of phonemes
and letters. As children learn the phonemes, they learn to sound out words.
Children will want to read this book to keep up with Toad’s dilemma. Cute
illustrations, a hidden yellow duck, and foldout pages add interest. A chart at
the back lists the words in the book, broken down by phonemes. This is a great
way to develop reading skills. 2000, Usborne Publishing, $7.95. Ages 3 to 6.
Reviewer: Julie Steinberg”