Sounds and Soap

Subject: English Language
Level: Secondary
Age Group: 11 - 14
Order Number: 5087

Sounds and Soap is a resource to support the development of reading skills for pupils in the lower secondary and upper junior age range who need additional support to become confident readers. The materials are based on a phonics approach, and have been used successfully by special needs teachers to engage and stimulate young people and help them develop and reinforce their skills and confidence. The resource follows the exploits of a number of characters, with four main figures as the centre of attention, and is similar to a TV 'soap opera' in that it uses everyday situations to interest the reader and tell a story. These 'real life' scenarios engage young people, and the content raises issues that will be familiar to them either through their own lives or via things which they may have seen on television.

There are 29 chapters in the resource allowing the teacher to chose how many small 'chunks' to cover at any one point, and these are supported with follow up word check activities, questions; and written tasks which are designed to consolidate what has been read and build skills and understanding. There is an innovative word snooker game aimed at reading and spelling, and this has proved particularly useful as a way of reinforcing learning in small groups, as well as providing a fun and mildly competitive approach to learning.