The words in the BRI Little Books of this program are called Maximally Learnable Text (MLT) - single-syllable, decodable words, repeated in simple sentences which allow the child maximum exposure to the basic code of the English language. Set 1 of the BRI Books begins with only five letter sounds and then sequentially introduces additional letter sounds as the instruction progresses so that the whole of the Basic Code is mastered by the end of Set 2. (Building on this foundation, Sets 3-8 systematically teach the greater letter/sound complexity of the Advanced Code, and the strategies needed to read multi-syllable words.) Children learn both Basic and Advanced Code while they master the skills of blending & segmenting words, all within the context of reading the stories. The entertaining illustrations carry the story line but do not give clues to the words on the page. The only reading strategy that works is - "Say the sounds, read the word." This forces the child to always read words (sound them out) from left to right. Because the many words are similar (ie. "sit" and "sits"), children have to look very carefully inside the word for reading accuracy. Children's fluency is increased by frequent exposure to the same words in different context. Comprehension can be checked by talking about the story and the pictures after the page has been read. Guidelines for Reading with Your Child - 1. Begin each reading session by reviewing the sound/letter correspondences using the letter cards. If your child does not remember the sound for a letter, simply tell him - "This sound is…. What is this sound?" Repeat this strategy until your child can say the sounds for all the letters introduced to date. Praise your child! 2. Then review the word cards. If your child does not know the word, tell her "Say the sounds, say the word." Demonstrate this strategy if needed. For instance, point to s and ee together and say "The sounds s and ee make the word see. To sound out and read the word see, we say sss (1 second pause) and ee - see. Now you sound out and read the word." Continue with this method until your child can read the word cards introduced to date. 3. Read the assigned book. When your child reads correctly, praise lavishly. If your child misses a word, DO NOT SAY "NO". Simply point to the word, and say "Say the sounds, read the word." If necessary, point to each letter. If your child does not remember a sound, tell him it. Then say "Now you try it." In the beginning your child will need this strategy demonstrated many times. Don't rush. Be patient. But insist the words are read accurately. 4. If, at any point, your child gets "all mixed up" or tired, stop the reading session, praise her for all her hard work, and start again another time. Remember that reading is a good thing to do. 5. Encourage your child to read the book many times, either to you or to other family members.