Academic Contents
Beginning to Read Program
The Christ-Centered "Beginning-to-Read Program" is designed for children who need to learn:
- How to recognize and print the alphabet.
- How to know what sounds vowels/consonants make.
- How to blend consonant and vowel sounds together.
- How to read and spell one- and two-vowel words.
- How to read simple phrases and sentences.
The Beginning to Read Program consists of two levels.
LEVEL A is designed for four-year-olds or those who are developmentally delayed and need a slower start. If taught properly, a child who has completed Level A can commonly read at a 1st grade level in one year.
LEVEL B is designed for those five or older who can not read to a 2nd Grade level and for those who have finished Level A. A child does not need to complete Level A before starting Level B. Within one year, if taught properly, a child who has completed Level B is usually reading at a 2nd to 3rd grade level or even higher. Primarily the reading level depends on the amount of reading practice the child does.
Advanced Phonics Program
The Advanced Phonics Program is specifically designed for children who need to learn:
- How to identify the different types of syllables.
- How to divide a word into syllables, and where an accent (the stress) is generally placed.
- How to read paragraphs smoothly, with expression, from one line to the next.
- How to read and understand frequently used prefixes and suffixes – especially pronunciation of prefixes in accented and unaccented syllables.
Reading comprehension is developed through:
- Clear pronunciation of words
- Grouping words together to sound like talking
- Using proper voice inflection [the rise and fall of the voice when speaking], and
- Observance of punctuation marks.
The Advanced Phonics Program, LEVEL C, is designed for a child who has completed Level B and is an independent reader. It can also be used with an older child who lacks a strong phonics foundation.
Components of the Phonics Curriculum
• Comprehensive teacher manuals that give detailed lesson plans and instructions for teaching
• Student workbooks re-inforce the lessons and provide opportunity for fine motor skill development
• beautifully illustrated alphabet wall cards and set of 118 phonics cards
• an audio instruction tape that includes all of the songs used throughout the program
• sturdy drill charts of every description to cover every area of phonics
• Simple readers for reading practice
• Phonics Drill Reader for developing speed reading and spelling
• Scripture passages quoted throughout the program are taken from the King James Version.
Picture Cards
The phonics cards, in addition to being beautifully illustrated and detailed, have a Biblical concept written on each in a short rhyme. For example, the card for the letter "A a" says: "To remain in Adam all will die, But in Christ, eternal life is nigh." On the back of each card are teaching instructions for the parent and amplification of the Scriptural concept of the rhyme. The character quality to be discussed is also listed on the back of the card.
For the most comprehensive benefits from the curriculum, purchase the complete Teacher Phonics Kit and Mathematics Kit. While you can purchase each item separately, these kits both save you money and provide you with all the resources you need for teaching with Christ-Centered Curriculum. The resources are invaluable.
