Page 17 - Ziptales Program Manual - US
P. 17
Easy Readers (Pre-K &
Developing
Literacy K-2)
Research around the world has affirmed the importance of teaching phonics,
as part of a blended and balanced approach to teaching reading.
This module teaches the major phonics ‘families’ - short vowels (a, e, i, o, u plus revision),
simple consonant blends (l, r, s plus revision), consonant digraphs (th, sh, ch, wh and revision)
and long vowels (a-e, i-e, o-e, u-e plus revision).
The approach is deliberately designed to be fun. Dr Seuss was a strong inspiration. As an example,
for the short vowel ‘a’, a text called ‘Bad Cat’ is offered. In this, children follow the comic adventures of
Max the cat, in rhyming verse, with text highlighting. The group or class can read through the text of
‘Bad Cat’, learning the pattern of the short vowel ‘a’ as it naturally arises in the humorous story.
Worksheets reinforcing the key teaching points are provided for all ‘Easy Readers’.
Worksheets are available for every story.
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