It is a little known fact that reading was taught by means of spelling for over 200 years. Today the impact of spelling on reading achievement is not as well appreciated as it once was. The late Dr. Ronald P. Carver did extensive research into the causal relationships between spelling instruction and reading ability. Carver concluded, "One very important way to learn how to pronounce more words accurately is sometimes overlooked, that is, learning to spell more words accurately." (Causes of High and Low Reading Achievement, p. 178). He also notes that "spelling was used to teach reading for...

Reading Made Easy with Blend Phonics for First Grade was first published in 1980 by Hazel Logan Loring, who had taught it for many years in her first grade classes. It features instruction in directional guidance, which helps prevent reversals in reading. It has also proven very valuable in helping older students with reading problems. The accompanying Blend Phonics Fluency Drills were written by Mr. Donald L. Potter to help students to develop high levels of decoding fluency (accuracy and speed). The Fluency Drills have proven particularly valuable in helping struggling readers to overcome...