Based upon the highly regarded Orton Gillingham technique of phonics instruction, Beers aim is to provide parents with all the tools they need to teach this form of intensive phonics with no previous knowledge necessary. The “Plot Plans” provided on 10 DVDs guide parents through such aspects as the pronunciation, printing, printing tips, reinforcement techniques, and rule tunes (song to teach phonics rules).
Broken into four levels, The Phonics Road is meant to build upon itself, level by level. Students of any age can begin the program at Level One to ensure a strong foundation is laid for future learning in English grammar, advanced composition, reading comprehension etc., in further levels.
Beers’ approach starts slowly, introducing young students to four phonograms each day in short lessons suitable for early learners. Though presented in a straightforward manner with no bright, colourful graphics (which Beers feel distract from the work at hand, and retard learning), examples of games for kinesthetic learners, fun catchy songs, and un-illustrated readers that your child illustrates themselves based on their understanding of each page as they read – the program can be quite fun. My six-year-old daughter absolutely adores the un-illustrated readers, as the opportunity to illustrate a written work always engages her creativity.
I was gratified to find Beers’ approach to teaching printing did not involve tracing letters. Research has shown that tracing is counterproductive to the creation of free-flowing rhythmic penmanship. Her use of a clock in the formation of letters is ingenious. My daughter has benefited greatly from her use of this visualization. If she needs a reminder she asks, “Where does this letter start again Mommy? At the two?” The drill and practice of newly learned letterforms seems unclear, and parents looking for laid out practice instructions may feel at a loss.
In fact the majority of the teaching instructions is included on the DVDs, with only a skeletal lesson plan provided for daily use. An example from the lesson plan schedule follows.
Article comments
1 - Kim Kelsey
Dear Jennifer,
I found that Mrs.Beers class works best for me by watching the video with my children and letting her teach. You simple pause the video allowing them time to write the word and start it again.
I even do this with the grammar. We watch the vidoe together on Monday and then proceed through the week as scheduled.
Sincerely,
Kim Kelsey
Sunny Florida, USA