Phonics Pathways: Clear Steps to Easy Reading and Perfect Spelling

by Dolores G. Hiskes

Teaches how to read and spell words using the phonics method, and provides word lists and activities to enhance the lessons.

Genres: Education, Childrens, Teaching

256 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2000

Reviews

[Betty · Rating 3 out of 5]

Initially I thought this book looked good. I liked the explanations about words and sounds. In fact I learned quite a lot from reading the later pages. But after starting at the beginning and going through the teaching method I decided that it might be useful to someone trying to teach a child as an adjunct but not as a whole program. The beginning worksheet exercises are fine but the pages are very busy with cartoons and cutesy phrases on the sides that a child who is learning to read would need someone to read to them, and have nothing to do with the worksheets. The book also focuses on games. No amount of games and 'fun' are going to inspire a child to learn to read fluently. Reading is intrinsically the goal of learning to read. Knowing whats on a page and what it means is what a child needs to be 'rewarded' by. Not outside rewards and game's that will be immediately taken away once the child learns to read.

Not the best but has some good stuff.

[Oleander · Rating 5 out of 5]

I used this book for many, many years. My dyslexic son learned to read using this book, and his spelling is decent because of it. I highly recommend for teaching reading. It is a simple process where the child learns a single letter with the short vowel sounds, such as sa, se, si, so, su. After the child can repeat these confidently, then he/she writes them from dictation. Eventually a last letter is added to make a words, and much later, multi-syllable words and long vowels are introduced. This method is simple but extremely effective and non-threatening for the child that struggles to read. I can't recommend it enough.

[JayBee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like this book. Let's see my son hated it when I opened it for him, but now that I caved and took him out and his sister is using it, he will pick it up and prove to her he can read better. All and all it has worked out!
But back to the book, it is a good source for reading and spelling instruction and Dewey's(the book's mascot) quoted throughout the book are fun and encouraging. A simple straightforward approach. Worth having for young-beginning readers.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a solid guide for teaching phonics and early reading. Effectiveness is enhanced by adding in sight word practices and some easy 'real' books of stories such as BOB books or other easy readers that follow basic phonics principles. Expensive phonics programs are no more effective than the series of short 5 minute lessons in this book.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this book! I highly recommend it. My daughter was struggling with reading last year in public school. This year we started with Phonics Pathways and I can't believe the progress she is making. Her speed and confidence has increased greatly.

[Amy Lesley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm using this with my four year old. Awesome so far!

[Lisa DiG · Rating 4 out of 5]

Learning how to read in one book. Just loved using this book with my girls.

[Cecile · Rating 2 out of 5]

I am so glad I decided not to purchase this. I checked out this older version from the library and am very grateful God led us to purchase Logic of English Foundations instead; she thouroughly enjoys it! This would have been a disaster.

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

12/08: My husband and I were surprised to see spelling rules we were never taught.

Amazon Book Description:
Now in its ninth edition, Phonics Pathways (with help from Dewey the Bookworm™) teaches students of all ages the rudiments of phonics and spelling with an efficient, practical, and foolproof method. Written in an easy-to-use format, Phonics Pathways is organized by sounds and spelling patterns. The patterns are introduced one at a time and slowly built into syllables, words, phrases, and sentences. Printed in a large 8-1/2" x 11" lay-flat format for easy photocopying, Phonics Pathways is filled with illustrative examples, word lists, and practice readings that are 100 percent decodable.

While appropriate for K-2 emergent readers, this award-winning book has also been used successfully with adolescent and adult learners, as well as second language learners and students with learning disabilities such as dyslexia.

Do not hesitate to use with older children. I think it would actually be too much for most K-2 graders to keep up with the handwriting skills necessary to write out lists of words. You'll find that the younger children can read through this more quickly than they can use it as a spelling text.

[Catherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great resource for tutors and teachers. The author says home schoolers use it to teach phonics, which could be done, but it is NOT a full curriculum. This book contains great information, but it is NOT a workbook to give to the learner to do on their own. I don't think there are any earth shattering new ideas, but it is a great review of the useful strategies I was taught in Dr. Brown's Reading class in Ed College. There are instructions for lessons and the reading passages, etc. that are needed to complete them. The author includes information explaining what you are doing and why it works. I got the from the library, but I will probably buy my own copy to have the lessons for tutoring.

[Rachel Chapman · Rating 5 out of 5]

totally love this book! I have heard many great things about teaching children to read not just early but well. There are explanantions to decipher words. And for any of you who can't answer what sound the "c" makes when followed by a "ie" would love this book. Whether you teach your child to read or just suppliment the school system you'll love it. Very simple lessons and how tos.

[Rebekah M. · Rating 2 out of 5]

I used this book to teach my daughter to read when she was in kindergarten. It worked and the games made learning fun, but I think it focused too much on learning the grammar rules, and that got confusing. I'm a much bigger fan of "Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons" by Engelmann.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

We are using this book for homeschooling to teach our daughter to read. It has some games, which is helpful, but it's still pretty boring and monotonous for the kid. We are adding to the lessons by creating manipulatives and early readers which is making it more interesting to my daughter.

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm still trying to decide if I'd like to own this one.

[Trish · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super great phonics book! I like "Reading Pathways" by the same author.