There are many Phonics-Based Programs.  I just wanted to mention a few.  I really believe in Phonics instruction as it helps children see how letters are put together and the sounds they form.  Also, they can learn the rules of our English Language.

    One program is Linda-Mood Bell.  It is based out of California.  Pictures of the mouth and mirrors are used.  It shows where the tongue, teeth, and lips are to form the sounds and has funny names for the sound combinations.  One example is that of lip poppers which are the sounds of p and b.  This is a really good program for children who have speech problems.  This hands on approach is often used in tutoring centers with one or two students.

    Another program which is used here in the Denver are is the Wilson Reading.  There is a big chart on the wall and each child has a book with the chart in it.  As the teacher points to the letters, the children say them and the sounds they make.  Sounds are grouped by colors like green, yellow and orange.  For example the long o sounds might be green.  This progarm has brought success to many students.

    An additional program is one that comes from Ohio State.  It is called Reading Recovery and many school districts use a part of it.  Magnetic leltters, sand and shaving cream or other tactile materials are used to help students feel things as they see the letters and hear and say the sounds they make.  It is a great reinforcer.  Students often read a 100-word paragraph and then the teacher circles the words that are mispronouced.  Later he/she goes over these words with the student having them use magnetic letters and write them in sand.  The helps the student have a visual and tactile way of remembering the letters and sounds.  

    Most Phonics programs have spent much research in providing a program that will work for students.  Many guarantee a certain amount of success.