What a strange teaching method? Got to admit though that the whole process of learning how to read is a bit of a mystery to me. But a teacher/gifted specialist recently suggested that I use word families (similar to the exercises you seem to be talking about) with my Miss 4 too as a way of developing her reading. I also use the dolch words from time to time to develop her vocab. But the thing that has worked for us is just immersion. Read, read, read. It's been difficult at times to find books at an appropriate level and I've been known to scour libraries and book stores all over town. Thankfully I had a friend whose daughter was reading at a similar level so we were always swapping books and readers. I love audio books, on the pc or in the car. And big beautiful picture books that the kids can fall in love with. I think if reading becomes too overwhelming or too technical or too much like hard work... it can really deflate kids. If she has a favourite series, read them over and over and over again - and let her use her finger to keep track of where you're up to. But speed? I have no idea why that would be important. Beats me... jojo
