Vowel First Method
A simple but highly effective method that teaches the basic skills of reading to students with learning problems.
Welcome to the Darwin the Dragon Reading Program. Although it was initially created for children with learning disabilities (a condition which includes dyslexia), it is applicable for reading problems of various origins and students of all ages – youngsters through adults.
To address the wide range of age, there are two titles (Darwin the Dragon Reading Program & The Vowel First Method) as well as two sets of teaching instructions. A highlight of the Program is that it was designed to be presented by people who lack a background in teaching – e.g. parents in particular as well as school volunteers and tutors who lack a viable program to work from. To accommodate this feature, the Guide contains clear teaching instructions, detailed lesson plans as well as specific tutor-training instructions and exercises. It takes approximately 1½-2 hours to acquire the technique. Note that resource teachers would also find this Program to be a valuable tool.
The Program consists of a guide, workbook (these two books are in one volume) and three storybooks. The storybooks are delightfully illustrated, entertaining and address the young child’s instructional needs while the age-appropriate instructions located in the Guide address the needs of the older child and adult.
PARENT/TUTOR GUIDE & SKILL BUILDING WORKBOOK
The focus of the Program is on the vowels as their lack of consistency of sound makes them the most difficult part of a challenging word or syllable to decode. Another major focus is on syllabication – an area where students with reading problems tend to lack competence. In fact, it is often difficulty here that restricts a weak reader’s progress.
To reinforce the phonic skills presented in the Program, a specifically designed workbook was created. The Workbook also contains information on ‘b’ and ‘d’ recognition, a list of frequently used sight words and teaching aids.
Apart from teaching the mechanics of reading, the Guide presents techniques on how to develop comprehension – the essence of reading. In addition, it contains discussions on the nature of learning disabilities, the selection of tutors, homework, study skills, promotion and as persistent academics difficulties tend to affect social and emotional development, the Guide contains recommendations that allow parents to promote their child’s development in these areas as well.
DARWIN’S TREASURE HUNT TROUBLE
The enticement of an adventurous young fun-loving dragon and the excitement of a treasure hunt draw the child into the book. Once there, rhyming instructions and delightful illustrations acquaint the child with the short vowels sounds. In addition, the storybook promotes language development and this is achieved through the discussion of the illustrations and storyline. This is an instructional book and thus is to be read to and worked on with the student.
To-date only the first of the three storybooks has been printed; the second and third books will be printed in the near future. Until they are on the market, the tutor should refer to pages 24-28 of the Parent/Tutor Guide for detailed instructions on the teaching of the long vowels and syllabication.
TEACHING AID
The aid consists of five keys that acquaint the student with the short vowel sounds. They come highly recommended as students of all ages find them appealing and thus motivating. They are made out of wood and are approximately 13 cm x 1.9 cm x 1.3 cm (5 in x 2 in x 3/8 in). These keys are available in a less expensive plasticized Bristol board version as well.
