What is this blog about....

I'm always looking for good stories for my children to read by themselves and for me to read to them. Also for variety, and when it seems like a good idea, that is, when we're all too tired but need the benefits of a good story, for audio books for them to listen to.





I thought we'd keep a simple blog recording books we find.


This may consist of just the basics- what it's called and who it's by!


but hopefully we'll add a simple summary and or review and a snap shot of the cover.





My readers are just 6 and just 8 years old , they both are reading at around grade 5 reading level (US) and that is thanks to "Jolly Phonics" a systematic phonics reading method that I started to use when my oldest was rising 5 with severely delayed speech. I thought if we found a fun way to practise sounds it might help..it did like a rocket... with the side effect of producing a happy and avid reader. The other side effect was a literal one ..her little sister (then 3) was sitting by her big sister's side for these fun games and learnt along side. OK too many sides.. but you understand what I mean, I hope!


I used the basic sound introduction from Jolly phonics and their sound sheets, they enjoyed the DVD too.
For more infomation on Jolly phonics see here...

http://www.jollylearning.co.uk/

and here

http://www.amazon.com/Phonics-Handbook-Print-Letters-Jolly/dp/1870946952

and here..

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jolly_Phonics

No I have no connection with them...honest...I just think it's a really sensible teaching method and it works!!! (it's great fun too)



Together with a controlled vocabulary reading scheme from the 60's as basic reading text.
A Big Thank you Ladybird !!!!



I recorded known sight words on individual 'trees' also books read in a similar manner. I found an old 'tree' chart to give you an idea.