HEC Software, Inc. (Reading Horizons) was founded in 1984 by Leonard L. Eversole and Dr. J. Richard Connelly, professor at the University of Utah, for the purpose of producing a courseware program based on the effective reading method, Discover Intensive Phonics for Yourself. Since that time we have been extremely interested, and involved, in the distribution of the manuals and training that accompany the computer software. Our interest has always been in helping students learn to read using this tremendous program. Whether it be through the use of software or direct instruction materials.
We are pleased to announce that just recently we were given the opportunity to assume full rights and responsibilities for the Discover Intensive Phonics for Yourself method and materials. We feel very fortunate to have been blessed with this opportunity. Our commitment to all current and future users of this spectacular approach is to provide unmatched service and support as you continue or consider usership of the program. We feel very strongly that unifying the software and chalkboard materials will greatly reinforce our ability to maintain consistency and stability for all users and representatives.
We welcome the input of all of our users as we move forward in our effort to spread the word about Discover Intensive Phonics. If you have suggestions that would be helpful to other users, especially beginning users, or if you have a creative/innovative way of implementing the lessons in your classrooms, please let us know. The word about Discover Intensive Phonics has spread because of the strength and belief of its users; therefore, we are happy to listen to your suggestions. If any of you have questions or concerns about the method or materials please feel free to contact us at 800-333-0054 or you can email us at info@readinghorizons.com.
Discover Intensive Phonics for Yourself is taught in a logical sequence. The alphabet is introduced in sets of four consonants and one vowel. Each letter is introduced individually and the student learns the name, sound, and formation (upper and lower case) simultaneously.
The student is then taught to combine the consonants with the vowel sound, blending the sounds together in what is called a "slide". Consonants from within the group of letters learned are then added as ending sounds, forming words.
Word meaning is stressed from the beginning, and sentence structure begins following the introduction of the second set of consonants and vowels. As each new set of letters is introduced, they are combined with those previously learned.
The program continues through the entire alphabet and then adds blends. The long vowel sounds are taught and five phonetic skills are presented, helping students know and identify the five patterns of English words. The remaining 42 sounds are taught (murmur diphthongs, digraphs, special vowel sounds, etc.).
Lastly, a two-step decoding skill is taught. Skillful readers' ability to read long words depends on their ability to break words into syllables. Discover Intensive Phonics teaches students to break words into syllables and apply the five phonetic skills they've learned. Consequently, they can read any length word. As students move through the logical sequence of the course, they experience learning success in incremental steps while receiving continuous, positive reinforcement of previously learned skills.
(This section of our newsletter is dedicated to information about the method. If you have tips or suggestions that would apply, please let us know).
In her book Catholic Education: Homeward Bound, co-author Kimberly Hahn recommends Discover Intensive Phonics for Yourself for low-level reading instruction. She states:
"Hands down, this is the phonics program I recommend. It is user-friendly, telling you what to say when and why. It’s nonconsumable, so you can use it with all of your children, lend it to friends the years you don’t need it, and still have it for grandchildren!
Char’s theory is this: if a child works at a blackboard, he uses more of his body in active learning. Phonics taught thoroughly does not need added games, songs, or prizes—learning is the reward. I especially like her application of principles to syllabication. Many friends have borrowed my book to teach this to their children. I highly recommend this resource."
Published by Ignatius Press copyright 1996.
Discover Intensive Phonics for Yourself, by Charlotte Lockhart. Available from Reading Horizons.
In September of 2000, I purchased the Intensive Phonics CD-ROM for my seven-year-old daughter. She was struggling with phonics and with learning how to read. I have nothing but the utmost praise for the Intensive Phonics CD-ROM. At my daughter’s October Parent-Teacher Conference, her teacher informed me that she had made leaps and bounds in her reading skills. She said that she no longer considered her low in this area. She would now consider her right where she should be!
— Contributed by Angie Pate
We are diligently working on the updates for our Windows Elementary and Accelerated software.
Both our Elementary and Accelerated (adult) versions will utilize 32-bit technology and will be version 2.0. They will run cleaner and update faster. We have also taken the opportunity to improve the visual appeal and have added reporting and sorting features in the management system. We also increased the size of our Mastery Drill and Practice for the Accelerated version. Our current version contains 1500 words that students use to practice the skills learned in each lesson. Version 2.0 incorporates over 1,000 new words with their accompanying definitions, context sentences, etc.
Anyone interested in the new courseware should call our office for additional information.
The release date for the Accelerated version has been set as May 1, 2001. The release date for the Elementary version has not yet been determined.