Getting Started With Christ-Centered Curriculum

Important Notes:
DO NOT READ EVERY PAGE of every book in these kits before you start. Learn as you go!!

BE SURE TO USE THE PHONICS LESSON GUIDES as they are the heart and motor of the curriculum.

• By looking over these materials before you begin actually teaching, you will familiarize yourself with the program and see how really easy it is to use. There is virtually no lesson preparation needed.

Getting Started:
We recommend you read these kit resources in the following order to prepare you to use the program:

1. Lesson Guides:

  • Beginning with Level A or B: read the first few introductory pages and the first lesson of Phonics Lessons for Flashcards 1-31 (book). The introductory pages are vital so do not skip them! There are "how to" instructions for teaching beginning phonics. When to introduce each phonics visual aid will be noted in the appropriate lesson.

  • Beginning with Level C, read the first few pages and lessons of Phonics Lessons for Flashcards 32-66. I also recommend you read the first few introductory pages of Phonics Lessons for Flashcards 1-31 for learning about learning styles and temperaments of children/adults. The first 10 lessons are at Appendix I of that text. After completing those review lessons, then go back to the beginning of the 32-66 lessons.

  • Read the first few pages of the Math Lessons Guide: Level A and/or Level B, depending on where your child is starting out (most should begin with A). The guide will tell you when to introduce associated math visual aids in the appropriate lessons. Math Level A is the starting point for beginning math students. Math Level B continues from where Level A ends. Therefore, the student should know the 1-10 addition/subtraction families well prior to beginning B.

2. Tools:

  • listen to the Phonics Tape
  • look over the first 31 phonics flashcards of the 118 card set (cards with writing on the back), and the math flashcards if you purchased them

3. Student Workbooks and Instruction Guides:

  • read first few introductory pages and first lesson of Phonics Workbook Instruction/Answer Key for whatever level you purchased (ie. Level Al, B1, or C1)

Topics of Special Interest:
Mrs. Claggett has put in the Lesson Guides some terrific guidance in many areas. Be sure to read the following:

Anyone Can Teach Phonics! At the beginning of Phonics Lessons for Flashcards 1-31 is an overview containing the four steps to apply phonics to reading (Reading Level 1) plus how to customize the program to meet your family's needs, which includes the four personality types and their learning styles.

The Second and Third Levels of Reading. This information appears at the beginning of Phonics Lessons for Flashcards 32-66. It provides tips for developing reading comprehension and application skills.

Building Godly Character Through Seatwork Activities. This section, which provides "how to" tips for getting the most out of seatwork times, appears at the beginning of Phonics Lessons for Flashcards 67-93.

Detecting Learning Disabilities. You will find this helpful information at the beginning of Phonics Lessons for Flashcards 94-118.

Character Training Tips. Each math lesson begins with a character training application for one of the animal character qualities for the 1-10 Math Flashcards.

Feeling overwhelmed? Like David, turn to the Lord and claim: "... when my heart is overwhelmed, lead me to the rock that is higher than I" (Ps. 61:2). Should you be unable to resolve a teaching difficulty, and thus feel tempted to give up, please call Maxine McLellan at JOY Center of Learning's HELP LINE 519-925-9721 (afternoons, evenings except Wednesday evening, and most Saturdays in non-conference season). If Maxine is unable to take your call immediately, due to her heavy schedule, we ask for your patience. (It may take one or two days before she can return your call.) Her desire is to help even the novice to succeed!



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