Question: Please explain how this program will help a child with visual memory problems. Is it possible to review some sample products? I have a student who cannot remember the name and/or the sound of letters.
-- Teacher in Bethlehem, New Jersey

My answer: This is one of the problems that Phonics Plus Five has been specifically designed to address. The answer to your question requires a detailed response and you can find it in The Reading Remedy, the book I wrote to explain my system.

The introductory chapters and the material on visual sequencing and Sequences in Sight will give you the answer to your question. You will also find the chapters of Writing and Letters to Write of use since carefully designed writing activities greatly facilitate the development of visual memory.

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Posted by Marion Blank at 01:30 AM
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Question: What should I be doing in a lesson when I ask my child to do something and he does it wrong or just sits there and does nothing? --Lynn M., mother of a five year old.

My answer: I'm so pleased you asked that question because handling this type of situation correctly is one of the keys to success. One of the first things you will notice about Phonics Plus Five is that the programs are designed so that your child will be able to do most things correctly and the number of errors will be low. This is invaluable in setting the right motivation.

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Posted by Marion Blank at 12:54 AM
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I recently received a question from a teacher in Australia that is exciting, heartwarming and indicative of great commitment to others.

The question was:
I wonder if any work has been done using the reading program with adults? One of my plans is to use it with young offenders, many of whom cannot read or write. It is my theory that if they could it would open up the world a little more for them and reduce their frustration and anger and feelings of worthlessness.

My answer:
Few emotions are as painful to the soul as not being able to read. At the same time, few emotions are as positive as finally being able to attain that goal, particularly when it has been given up as all but lost. So you are absolutely right in thinking that opening up the world for the young people you are dealing with can make a huge difference.

Continue reading "Young Adults Who Are Non-Readers: Does the Program Work ?" »

Posted by Marion Blank at 07:27 PM
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Here is a question from parents that we often get asked:

I have a son of 12 years of age with dyslexia and he has a reading age of a 7 year old. Would this program be helpful to him?

The answer:

Phonics Plus Five is likely to be useful since it has helped many children with dyslexia. The best way to make that determination is to use the free Skills Assessment test that is on the website under the tab Is It Right for You? Just follow the directions offered there.

Continue reading "Helping a Twelve Year Old with Dyslexia" »

Posted by Marion Blank at 12:36 AM
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A parent just wrote and asked me some great questions and I wanted to share my answers to her with you. Here's what she wrote:

"Hello, and THANK YOU for writing a book that I am sure you had my child in mind for! We homeschool 3 of our 5 children and I am just starting to teach our 5 year old the basics to reading and wondered if I could use your program exclusively or is it designed to use in conjunction with traditional phonics programs? In other words do I need to supplement your program with regular phonics instruction?"

Here is what I replied

While Phonics Plus Five works beautifully with other programs, you can use it exclusively and there is no need to supplement it with any other program. The program has been designed so that the child learns all the key sound and letter clusters --without requiring any conscious memorization of complex rules. As you and your child work through the various levels, you will begin to see your child decode words he or she has never seen -- that is one of the clearest signs that he or she has begun to "crack the code" and intuit the sound patterns of the language. That is the surest, easiest and simplest way to learn to read successfully.

Do you have a question?
Feel free to email me, and I'll do my best to answer.

Posted by Marion Blank at 11:58 PM
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