Phonics Through Poetry

Book excerpt: Carefully prepared lessons use the rhythm and rhyme of poetry to teach phonics. This book's 115 read-aloud poems - some from well-known children's authors like Norma Farber, Maurice Sendak, John Ciardi, and Jack Prelutsky, others written specially for this book - immerse children in particular language sounds again and again, in word after word, within an exciting context. Each poem comes with teaching apparatus comprising word lists using the targeted sound, a "focusing talk" to cement and extend students' connection to the poem, and an idea for a hands-on activity. Photocopy masters supply "letter cards" for sounds the book targets. Multiple indexes (by the poem's first line, by title, by sound, and so on) aid ease of use. Grades preK-1. Illustrated. Good Year Books.