Spalding Notes before I sleep ...

What is of use to a child interested in reading is explicit instruction in how the written language works - how it represents the sounds of speech, how it is produced with tools like pencils and chalk, how it signifies words and ideas.

Helpful framework for organising an instructional sequence for reading -
Stage:
0 - prereading. Discover world of print.
1 - 1st stage of reading and is characterised by recognition of alphabetic principle
2 - expansion and consolidation of (1)
3 - beginning of higher order learning and thinking skill acquisition
4 & 5 involve higher types of analytical and synthetic reasoning

It is imperative to consolidate and automate (2) before going on to provide explicit instruction in higher-order reading routines.

Spalding phonograms are corrected by modern linguistic standards. Letters represent minimal speech units (phonemes) not blends. After learning phonograms, instruction in spelling begins. After about 150 words, reading begins.

Essential elements: spelling, writing, reading and educational philosophy

Spelling
-saying the writing of sounds used in spoken English
-learning the spelling of words by writing them connect the spoken sound to the written symbols

Writing
-learning to construct good oral sentences prepares children for writing and reinforces the meaning of unfamiliar spelling words

Reading
-listening and reading develop children's love of reading and writing

Educational Philosophy
-child centered
-high expectations
-purpose and meaning
-higher-level thinking
-direct, sequential instruction
-multisensory instruction
-active participation
-diagnostic teaching
-integrated instruction