What about phonics?

The ‘ReadingOURway’ program focuses on the ‘whole word’ approach to reading, meaning that it does not break words up phonetically in order to learn how to read them.

However, this does not mean that phonics cannot be used with ‘ReadingOURway’. The teaching of phonics is actually encouraged to be used in conjunction with the program. While students who are visual learners learn best via the whole word method teachers and parents should always teach literacy through a variety of strategies. for example, students could learn new words through ‘ReadingOURway’ then learn them phonetically to extend their literacy skills. 

Can ‘Reading OUR Way’ be used in conjunction with other literacy  programs?

Yes it can. Other literacy programs such as;online 'Reading Eggs', ‘words their way’ and ‘writing their way’ would complement ‘Reading OUR Way’. ‘Words their way’ focus’ on spelling and phonetics of words, where ‘writing their way’ looks at the development of students written words and sentences. Therefore ‘Reading OUR Way’ is a more holistic approach to literacy learning than these other two, but the other programs would provide extension and complement nicely.

Why do you only get two books for the first two sets of words?

ReadingOURway is a relational literacy tool providing an opportunity for the student and teacher/aide to bond, work together and develop a love of learning. It is also an opportunity for the student to experience success in literacy (probably for the first time in their life) and to become a published author of literary works. This process builds self-esteem, creates the belief in the student that they are a learner and provides the tools for the student to undertake their own learning after hours. This is also specified on page 11 of the instructional manual under 'Step 5- reading books', where it states; 'Books for set 1 and 2 have been included in the kit as a guide however personalised books are encouraged."

Does ‘Reading OUR Way’ support the Australian Curriculum?

Yes it does. ACARA states that through English, individuals learn to analyse, understand, communicate with and build relationships with others and with the world around them.

Reading OUR Way supports the reader to engage with language and word structures, letters and familiar words that are prevalent in the world around them. The program gives students the opportunity to begin their learning successfully by visually engaging with words and putting them into context through scaffolded activities that can be used in conjunction with phonics and other literacy techniques.