My own experience and that of other professionals bear ample testimony to this. Phonics lessons are based on the results of much research into reading and spelling difficulties.

The main focus of this website is practical help for those who make little progress in literacy, especially those students who experience difficulty in being aware of and distinguishing the sounds within words.

Do you share my concerns? Don't we all hate to see young people struggling to read and write and losing the joy of learning?

You will know that the UK government now recommends using phonics to teach reading and spelling and that this type of instruction is proving highly successful in many countries around the globe.

Are you a teacher, parent, teaching assistant or other educational professional?

I have created this website to offer some practical suggestions for teaching literacy skills to students of all ages. I recommend and use teaching methods that are multisensory, structured and cumulative. They promote better phonological awareness and phonemic skills.

I use structured workbooks and games.

I see remarkable progress in

* literacy skills

* confidence and self-esteem

* better access to school and college curricula

You can too!

You know that better literacy skills are the key to turning attitudes and performance around. I can help you create this key.

You will be able to do what I have been doing for years. You can enjoy the same measure of success. Had you remembered that reading sparks the mind?

If you're a busy parent, teacher or assistant, what do you need?

1. Inspiration and enthusiasm for yourself and to pass on.

2. Prepared photocopiable / re-usable materials that are:

* low cost

* age appropriate - not babyish

* easy to use - no preparation needed

The materials should include:

* adequate reinforcement of prior phonic learning

* introduction of one new reading / spelling pattern at a time

* activities to improve speaking, listening, phonological awareness and vocabulary extension

* phoneme, word and sentence level practice work – using only words consisting of patterns already taught one at a time

* a simple game specific to the latest teaching point

3. To remember to encourage and praise students. Use certificates of achievement as well, if you wish.

4. To repeat a reading and spelling test (some are free). Do it after, say, six months, and tell the student how many more words he or she can read or spell (Do not quote "reading age" or "spelling age". Follow me on the road to success. It’s easy. You’ll thank me. Your students will thank you.