The Monster Near The Bed: Learn Silent Letters - Teacher Notes

The "Learn To Read With Phonics Reading Packs" provide an engaging and systematic approach to teaching children how to read, with a particular focus on silent letters as highlighted in "The Monster Near The Bed." Designed to suit a broad age range, starting from 4-year-olds to older children who may be reluctant readers or face learning challenges, these packs are particularly beneficial for those for whom English is a second language. The materials are intended for use either one-on-one or in small groups, facilitating an interactive learning experience between an educator and a child or a parent/guardian and a child.

The course is structured around 44 phonic sounds that are integrated into the text, following the adventures of a character named Sam. As children read, they are encouraged to look for hidden sounds, which helps them to decode 80% of words in the English language by breaking them down into sounds or syllables. This method of learning through phonics enables rapid progress. The reading journey is further supported by stories such as "The Bouncing Castle" and "The Famous Cousin From The Country," which reinforce more complex sounds. By the end of the program, children are well-prepared to transition to independent reading of books like Roald Dahl's "George's Marvellous Medicine" and "Fantastic Mr Fox." The packs also include cut-out practice pages to enhance memory retention, featuring simple text and colourful sketches that appeal to young readers. The reading packs can be used flexibly, with the option to focus on specific sounds or to follow a suggested sequence for complete beginners, starting with initial sounds and progressing through to more complex phonetic patterns and structures.