We were very happy to receive a phonics workbook and an early readers book from the lovely people at Usborne Publishing a little while ago and Tristan has been enjoying using these ever since. I often get asked what resources we use to help our youngest son learn to read and the answer is mainly that we just read to him and with him. As his interest in reading and writing has increased, which I think is key - I don't agree with forcing these things on children as I firmly believe that they begin to do these things when they are ready, we have introduced a few more writing tasks of which this workbook has been one this month.
The workbook we received was book 4, the final book in the series. It concentrates on more advanced phonics but is just really good fun. The workbook asks the child to read a letter, colour it in, spot it on a page full of distractions and use stickers to make it an interactive experience. Tristan has really enjoyed using this workbook and it has helped him with his letter recognition. He has chosen to use the 'Phonics Workbook 4' without being prompted on a number of occasions because he likes using it. The workbook is extremely good quality with colourful pictures which are very appealing to young readers - it is a well designed and constructed workbook.
We also received an Usborne First Reading book called 'Androcles and the Lion' retold by Russell Punter. This is a level 4 book which is a bit higher than I would have chosen for Tristan myself however, I have been pleasantly surprised by his determination to read the book. He read the story over a period of one week and worked out most of the vocabulary himself and was very proud of himself when he completed the tale. The story is told in a very accessible way and is complimented by exciting pictures which brought the story to life for him. The words are clear and simple to read and there are a number of speech bubbles which inspired Tristan to carry on reading. There is a free worksheet which accompanies the book which is excellent although a little difficult for Tristan to complete just yet. It will be a useful resource for both children when we study the Romans in a few months.
The book came with an audio track on CD in both English and American English. We enjoyed listening to this whilst following the story and looking at the pictures.
We recommend both the workbooks and the first reader books. We already have the complete Usborne First Phonics Books and First Reader series 3 and we will definitely be getting more of the series 4 books soon. They are beautifully written, produced and presented books which tell exciting and inspiring stories - this is why my children really enjoy reading Usborne books.
Disclaimer: All the views and opinions in this review are my own. The product was provided to me free of charge but I was not obligated to give a positive review. I only review educationally beneficial products. My review is an honest one.
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