An excellent manual for teachers of young children to support Speaking and Listening outcomes. The aim is to develop children's phonological awareness through word identification, rhyming, alliteration, blending and word manipulation activities. Some writing exercises are included but the emphasis is on understanding how sounds are made and on listening. The underlying assumption is that oral language and listening skills are powerful precictors of success in learning to read and spell. Early in the book is the suggestion that children be provided with mirrors and torches so that they can examine their mouths to see how sounds are made. The emphasis on active involvement continues throughout the text.
The theoretical base is minimal, but there is no need for the authors to justify the publication; the common complaint of teachers that children do not listen anymore is sufficient justification.
Teachers are given a profusion of activities and games to improve listening and to encourage clear articulation. Thes idea can be used equally well with individual children, small groups or the whole class.
The strong spiral binding makes it easy to photocopy the many activity sheets designed for children to manipulate and use in games.
