Phonics Pathways: Clear Steps to Easy Reading and Perfect Spelling

-- Sandra S. Elam, Tutor and Virginia Director, The National Right to Read Foundation


I can teach; they can read!   February 20, 2003
Christy Bagasao (Nevada)
78 out of 79 found this review helpful

I homeschool four daughters. We began using Phonics Pathways when my eldest was five. She is a very intelligent child, and caught on quickly to the simple format in which the reading and spelling skills are presented. In half a year she has begun reading books at a much harder level than what we are studying in Phonics Pathways, and is already reading at a second grade level in the tutorial. We also use the book to teach spelling, since it includes spelling rules. My second daughter does not have her sister's knack for the written word. I hesitantly began using Phonics Pathways with her just shy of age four to teach her letter sounds and simple blending. She has also been successful with this no frills, straight-forward approach to phonics tutoring. I have even begun using it with my two-year-old to reenforce letter identification. The layout of the book allows each girl to go at her own speed, without frustration. There are adequate reviews, although you may wish to check out some of the author's support material for further reenforcement. Have a ready supply of easy readers on hand, because in a limited time your child will be able to read simple books, such as the Bob books and basic Dr. Seuss. Some children need extra stimuli (songs, etc.) to help them learn. For those that don't (and even some that do, like my second daughter) we have found that the Phonics Pathways approach offers a simple, slow and steady method that can serve as an entire phonics/spelling program, without muddling the process with too many extras. All learning types can benefit from this book. It is also an excellent boost for remedial readers, and I, as an avid reader and freelance writer, have appreciated the spelling refresher! One note: the author recommends learning to read and write each word from dictation before moving on. We found this to hinder the speed at which my first child could move along in her reading, since children naturally develop faster in some areas than others, so, although we use the book for spelling and phonics, we move her ahead in each area at different speeds. This has caused no difficulties whatsoever!


The Best Phonics Primer You Can Buy!!!   July 23, 2002
Cris LaRue (Long island, NY)
77 out of 79 found this review helpful

When I first purchased this book I had no idea what to expect. The reviews here were mixed, as were the testimonials I received from other sources. I went ahead and made the purchase, just to satisfy my own curiosity, and I can say confidently that it is worth TEN times the price.

Think of this as a complete, self-contained phonics kit. Everything, and I mean EVERYTHING you need to teach your beginning, emerging and remedial reader is jammed into this gigantic 238-page workbook. Don't be dismayed by the lack of the usual visual components we homeschoolers always like to see (i.e., flashcards, tapes and CDs). If you have them and would feel more productive using them, then be my guest, but they are totally unnecessary, and may cramp your style (not to mention eat away precious time) if you purchase this book!

The power of this award-winning book lies in its simple graduated learning approach. Letters and spelling patterns are introduced one at a time through a sequential methodology. Students are first introduced to the short vowel sounds, then move on to learning the consonants. Next they learn the fine art of blending (explained thoroughly in a language even the most beginning reader will clearly be able to retain). The consonants are then combined with the vowels to make two-letter words and then three-word phrases and sentences which gradually increase in length and complexity. Blending utilizes what the author calls "eye-robics" -- the practice of training your eye muscles to track together smoothly from left to right across the page as you read sentences. It is an exercise that needs to be practiced daily.

This multi-sensory book has proven to be the single most valuable resource we have used in our homeschool. It is easy-to-use, self-teaching and lots of fun. You can also use the sentences given for dictation exercises.

This is a great find for those who are looking for a workbook-based phonics program but don't want to shell out big bucks.

5 Stars for its practical, resourceful and sound approach to teaching reading.


No frills, no complicated instructions -- just good reading.   April 19, 2001
31 out of 32 found this review helpful

I've taught three children to read with this book. After reviewing a host of phonics programs, I settled on Phonics Pathways because it is designed to GET KIDS READING as quickly and simply as possible. It's affordable (no complicated tapes, jingles, games, or flashcards needed). It's straightforward -- I was able to use it with a minimum of preparation time. Best of all, it WORKED. I now have three excited, fluent readers. Can't recommend this highly enough!


My child is reading finally!   November 19, 2000
Carolyn (San Ramon, CA USA)
28 out of 29 found this review helpful

I have tried a dozen reading programs and spent a lot of money on them-100 Easy Lessons, Home Run Reading, computer softwares, phonics books, early readers etc. Phonics Pathways is perfect. No bells and whistles-straight drills. My son has special needs and needed something that was not too distractible and with large print. He is reading now-not just during reading time but recognizing print in normal life. I wanted something simple and did not require a ton of preparation. I also have a 3 and 2 yr olds as well and they tend to make things a little more complicated. This books is perfect for us. I wish I found it years ago. It would have save me lots of money and grief.