Links and Extra Information

The Basics

Are you unsure of the sounds yourself? Would you like to hear an audio example?

Visit Mona McNee's site and simply click on 'Step 1' to hear an example of the first three sounds: c, a, and t: or alternatively visit Jolly Phonic's site, click on 'Information' and then on 'Audio'.

Would you like to see examples of correct letter and number formation for New Zealand?

It can be downloaded from here.

Do you know how a child should hold their pencil? Would you like to see a pictured example?

It can be downloaded from here.

Does your child need some help with pencil control?

Free downloadable sheets which contain different patterns for the child to follow are available from this website.

Testing and Extra Information for Struggling Students or Children with Special Needs

Would you like some more information on dyslexia?

Visit Susan's site here.

Need some help or advice on mathematics?

Visit Katharine Beaumont's Step up Resources on this link.

Do you need some help, information or resources for children with speech difficulties?

If so, visit this wonderful site which provides many resources free of charge.

Would you like a reading test?

The Burt Test can be obtained through the Reading Reform.

Would you like a spelling test?

It can also be obtained through the Reading Reform.

Would you like to know what reading age your child is reading at?

Use the following link to see the University of Waikato's 'Levelling the Boxes and Books' chart. This will tell you what colour or level relates to what reading age. Here is the link.

Do you have an older child (over nine) or an adult that you would like to re-teach?

To start with you could visit either Mona McNee's site or the Stairway to Reading, both of which are free. If neither of these sites are of help to you please make contact with us.

Helpful Resources

Do you need some lined paper for handwriting practice?

This website will allow you to print out lined paper just how you want it or you could also try this website.

Would you like a list of the high frequency words?

It can be downloaded from here.

Would you be interested in watching video clips of children learning to read and spell using synthetic phonics?

Please follow this link.

Would you like to visit a forum for teachers to discuss synthetic phonics (or other teaching related topics)?

Visit the TES staffroom through this link.

Do you need to make some word lists e.g. a list of words that contain the sound 'ou'?

Visit this great website or this one for help finding suitable words. If you are trying to find words starting with a particular sound this site might also be helpful.

More about 'The Code'

Would you like to see an overview of the Alphabetic Code? An idea of which letters (and combinations of letters) make which sounds?

See Debbie Hepplewhite's Alphabetic Code Overview through the Reading Reform.

Would you like to test yourself (or your peers!) to see how much you know about the English language?

Visit this website and let us know how you get on!

Interested in some New Zealand reading history?

See Tom Nicholson's: From ABC to Ready to Read: Perspectives on Reading in New Zealand.

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