Affordable Reading and Comprehension Courses
Lesson 1
Lesson 2
Lesson 3
Lesson 4
Lesson 5
Lesson 6
Home
Ponderances
Resources
Printable Order Form
The Valder Phonics program was originally designed and written for use by our tutors at the tutor center. We needed an intensive phonics course that would get the children reading properly, and quickly move them up to the appropriate grade level.
Although children are different and the speed with which your student will learn to read cannot be determined, we do have some interesting data:
The average student improves 2 - 3 grade levels in the first program, usually completing it in 3 - 4 months. But remember, these students are being taught just one hour per week!
HOW ARE WE DIFFERENT?
Quick and Efficient - Perfect for busy families, it shows you how to
teach the necessary skills without a lot of "cute fluff" that can get in
the way and confuse your child more than help them.
Simple and Compact - You and your child won't be overwhelmed by boxes
of materials that take over an entire room.
Affordable - Perfect for every family on a budget.
Versatile - Move as quickly or slowly as you wish, with lots of room
for creativity.
PRO-FAMILY ORIENTATION! - We think this is the most important aspect
of our program.
There are many good programs out there, and we have tried several of them ourselves. Aside from the expense, the one problem we see in most of them is their child focus. Since they are designed to teach the child, it is necessary for your student to focus on the program itself, essentially forcing you, the parent, out of the picture. Of course, the parents should take charge of these programs and work with the child, but that can be difficult; it often forces you to "interrupt" the learning rather than be the source of it.
OUR COURSE TEACHES YOU, THE PARENT / TEACHER
We have specifically designed our program to help YOU teach your child to read; it does not come between parent/teacher and child, but brings them together in a fun, positive, loving environment. Now you have a program focused on bringing you together with your child, to share their successes and joys of learning.
ONE MAJOR DRAWBACK?
Some parents using the course have expressed concern about an important issue. After using the course for a short while, they have asked if we are sure this is all there is to teaching reading - it is so quick and simple!
In other words, it's too easy! We take that as a compliment. We have found that, with just a little creativity, our reading course can (and should) be used to teach spelling, handwriting, grammar and punctuation!
The most commonly asked question is, "Should I get anything to supplement the program?" Well, books would be nice, since your child will be reading very soon! Don't forget to check out the many used books sights listed on our resources page!
A second common question is, what if I have questions? email us, we are here for you. Just drop us a line, and we will try to answer your questions as best we can.
Now our program is available to you, the parent or teacher
Printable Order Form
When you order Valder Learning Systems' READING WITH PHONICS you get:
COMPLETE PACKAGE
Complete, 6 hour course on video:
There are six lessons each of two 30 minute parts. The three VHS tapes provide you with all you need to begin teaching reading right away. You don't even have to wait to see the second half hour session.
McGuffey's Eclectic Primer
Paperback edition, published by Thoburn Press, now in print.
Valder Learning Systems' Accompanying Workbook
Our exclusive workbook, designed specifically to use along with the Primer. Each lesson includes space to practice writing and spelling the new words introduced in the lessons, short comprehension check assignments, and copy work assignment for practicing writing. This is also where we teach beginning grammar and punctuation!
Many pages have room set aside for teacher comments, so you can make notes on your child's progress or weak areas right in the book - neat, simple and convenient.
Other pages have room for student art - great for rewards, stickers, drawing, creative writing, or anything you child may want to add!
Valder Learning Systems' Parent/Teacher Manual
Our exclusive Parent/Teacher manual was designed to guide you, the teacher, step by step through our lessons. We include pre-reading phonics lessons in the order that we have developed to eliminate much of the confusion created by haphazard approaches to reading, plus trouble shooting tips for areas where children frequently get stuck.
In addition to the general phonics rules, we have included the rules and how to use them by lesson number, as they appear in the Primer - for more than a complete set of lesson plans.
McGuffey's Eclectic First Reader
Paperback, published by Thoburn Press, currently in print.
Valder Learning Systems' Accompanying Workbook
Similar to the Primer Workbook, this book corresponds to the lessons in the McGuffey's First Reader. It also includes spelling, comprehension, copy work and plenty of room for creativity. Spelling test pages are included throughout.
Valder Learning System's Parent/Teacher Manual, for First Reader
As with all our programs, our manual is designed to guide you, the teacher, step by step through our lessons. We include much of the information from the Primer so students can review if they need to.
PLUS
Valder Learning Systems' Phonogram chart
Our phonogram chart is full size, 8 1/2" X 11", and laminated for wipe-clean, permanent use. Excellent for reviewing phonics rules and sounds throughout the course. Use it as a teaching tool, then as a reference chart, both for you and your student.
Valder Learning Systems' Phonics assessment
Our simple phonics skills assessment test is designed to help you determine how much phonics your student knows, so you don't bore each other with repetitious work or leap into lessons unprepared.
Direct, on-line support!
Whether your child is struggling and you need assistance with remediation or your child is zooming and you need help with ideas to keep up; whether your child is burned out or going full steam and you're burning out, drop us a line. We'll help you every time we can - with academics, counseling, or just because sometimes you need some support and encouragement. If we can't help, we'll try to help you figure out where to go for the help you do need.
Printable Order Form
Dear Parents and Teachers:
Most parents of today's students learned to read in the 1960's or later. Many did not receive comprehensive training in phonics - our country was well on its way to replacing phonics with various forms of the look-say method of memorizing shapes of words and word families, without the basic rules. Many excellent readers today use phonics skills that were picked up incidentally. As such, they lack the proficiency necessary to teach phonics. Many people can read and sound out unfamiliar words, but can't explain how they do it - "They just do."
There are also those who did learn some phonics, but don't remember the nuances of the system. Let's face it, if you haven't had to think about phonics rules for 25 years, there is a good chance you have forgotten much of it. I had to relearn quite a bit when I first started teaching young children to read!
Then there are those who never had any phonics, and are afraid they can't teach it because they themselves are not good readers. How many times have we heard that teachers learn as much (or more!) from the children as the children learn from them?
Our whole purpose is to teach you, the parent, how to use and teach phonics. Whether you knew phonics but have forgotten the details, learned only a little or none at all, you can teach your children to read. You will simply learn as you go, and just think of the added benefit of improving your own reading skills while watching your children blossom with you!
Knowing, using, and teaching phonics are three very different things.
This course is designed for everyone, whether trained in phonics education or not. A quality, logically designed program that is easy to use is essential in teaching children properly. Integrating phonics across the English skills curriculum is an important aspect left out of many phonics programs. Our program incorporates comprehension, mechanics, writing and spelling!
"...But the schools are supposed to teach them..."
You are right. But for whatever reason, they can no longer reach every child. The administrators and teachers are drowning in the demands we have placed on them. They are trying to teach with one hand politically tied behind their back, no recourse for discipline, and very little time in the classroom to actually impart knowledge. Right or wrong, your child needs help - that's why you contacted us. You are the parent, you care the most, and we have the tools you need for your child's academic success!
Many articles published in the 70's and 80's expressed public concern over young people's poor reading skills. A popular statistic often cited was that illiteracy in this country had reached 33%. Now we hear 42% is the current figure for adults reading below the 6th grade level. Even if these figures are exaggerated, the idea that almost half the adult population is functionally illiterate is terrifying. Don't let your child be one of the non-functioning readers! A few minutes a day can mean the difference between success and failure for your child. And we can and will show you how to do it right.
OTHER PROGRAMS...
At first glance, most reading courses look as if they teach phonics. Unfortunately, closer inspection will show that many of them offer a superficial treatment of phonics and combine it with look say and other forms of memorization - often a very confusing mix of systems for young students. There are several phonics programs on the market today, and they are indeed comprehensive, true phonics courses. Some are designed for classroom use, and therefore expensive and/or difficult to break down for use at home as a supplement to school. Others are designed to teach the children, and by their focus force the parents out of the picture - the child "interacts" with the learning program (usually some form of electronic medium).
Our program is specifically designed to bring the parent and child together.
We have not put together a program that will magically teach your child to read. Our instructional materials are specifically designed for you to use with your child. Teaching a child to read is simple with the right program and materials. We have put them together in a logical, step - by - step program for you to enjoy.
Lesson 1
Lesson 2
Lesson 3
Lesson 4
Lesson 5
Lesson 6
Home
Ponderances
Resources
Printable Order Form
