Making Words: Multilevel, Hands-On, Developmentally Appropriate Spelling and Phonics Activities

Word Building was introduced to me about three years ago. I have been teaching for two years now and have used word building as a part of my reading program. I am pleased with the progress that my 2-3 graders make with this program. They understand how spelling and reading are related. Also it teaches them that two or three letters when put together make one sound. I purchased this book in September. I have been very happy with it. If you are unfamiliar with this method, this book is all you need. At the start of the book it shows you step by step how to set up word building in your classroom. Pictures are included. You will find over 150 word building lessons. Letter tiles for you to copy, cut, and laminate are included. I now feel that word building should be a part of every k-3 reading program.

In searching for finding the best resources for my 1st grade classroom, I found Patricia Cunningham's Making Words book. I originally found this book in a workshop I was attending about 3 years ago. The presenter shared it and I thought at the time.."hey! that's pretty cool!". It is so necessary for children to be able to manipulate letters to make words. It's such a joy to see their little faces light up when they've guessed the "secret word". I highly recommend Making Words as well as the 4 blocks books written by Dr Cunningham as well. It's just too bad she can't be the teacher next door to me! I'd be in there everyday!

If you don't buy any other book as a primary teacher, I would definitely buy this one. I have used in 2nd and 3rd grade and the kids love putting the letters together to make words. They don't even see it as work because they are having so much fun. There is just so much a teacher can do with this book!

This book provides hundreds of fun, hands-on activities for teaching children phonics and spelling. I've used the book for several years, taught other teachers and interns the program, and I have not had a negative reaction by any student, parent or administrator. It is an excellent method for teaching learning disabled students at the elementary level. Children really learn phoneme segmentation, an essential reading skill, through this process. They especially love the culminating activity, finding the "Big Word."

If you teach grades K-3 and you have never used any part of this series in your classroom, you need to buy it TODAY! In one year, this has created 2-3 years growth in reading and writing for almost every special ed. student I have taught. Get it now!