Inspirations and ideas
With Jake Monkey-Tail, I had a clear vision of what I was trying to achieve, my aim being to introduce a colourful character who learns to spell in a magical and engaging way. I realised that I needed to be as specific as possible in this story, as there are so many different skills needed when learning to spell, in addition to there being many different stages.
Through my work with children and though discussion with teachers, I have observed that children at Reception level can have some difficulties with the sound to letter and letter to sound association i.e. linking ‘b’ to the letter shape ‘b’ and also visa versa. Therefore, I was very keen on highlighting this difficulty, and to also illustrate some of the additional teaching methods that can be used to make the process of learning letters and then spelling a more meaningful experience.
Specialist teachers will often use, what’s known as a ‘multisensory’ approach to develop spelling skills which complement the everyday use of visual and auditory methods (this describes the simultaneous use of recognising letter shapes with the corresponding sound). ‘Multisensory’ refers to using different sensory systems, to support learning and recall. Typically in schools, children are taught to spell using both visual and auditory sensory systems, as described above. However children who find spelling difficult, need to also access and use additional sensory systems, such as the kinaesthetic sensory system, which incorporates feeling, movement and experiences. Using all these systems in combination supports and develops overall recall and memory skills. Therefore, in Jake Monkey-Tail, Jake is already using his visual and auditory sensory systems, but we also see him accessing the kinaesthetic sensory system, when he is writing in the mud and using his tail to form letters. Lastly, we see Jake visualising diamond clusters on letters (this accesses the visual sensory system) to support and enhance his visual memory of different letter shapes.
Jake is such wonderful little character and you can’t help but feel fond of him once you have read the story. I remember seeing the whole book on the computer before it went to print and feeling as if I had just met a new friend! I hope that children will feel that they have made a new friend in Jake once they have read Jake Monkey-Tail. For parents, I hope Jake Monkey-Tail gives a brief insight into supporting spelling skills and the story is an inspiration on how to create unique ways of spelling at home, especially if weekly spelling revision is always ‘boring’ or ‘too hard’!
| Author | Priya Desai |
|---|---|
| ISBN | 0956524710 |
| Binding | Paperback |
| Dimensions | 20.8 x 20.6 x 1 cm |
| Pages | 60 |
| Interest Age | No |
| Reading Age | No |
Customer Reviews
3 Item(s)
-
Rating: / 5 Beautifully written book!
Review by Honor -
I love this super little book....we always research all products that we sell before placing them on the website and this book in my opinion is an absolute gem...it is sensitively written to enable struggling "spellers" to realise that they are not alone and with positive encouragement they can achieve. I wish this book had been published when my two dyslexic son's were at school and struggling with the challenging and much dreaded weekly spelling tests!!! I loved reading this story which brought a tear to my eye!
Posted on: 16/01/2012)
-
Rating: / 5 A playful and lively story that everyone can relate to.
Review by Sarah de Louwere, Head of Lower School, Independent School in London -
A playful and lively story that everyone can relate to. Learning to spell can be fun from now on!
Posted on: 16/01/2012)
-
Rating: / 5 An enchanting and sensitively written book
Review by Gail Neves, M.A., RSA DipSpid, Learning Support Teacher -
An enchanting and sensitively written book about one learner’s struggle with spelling. Children will be inspired and encouraged by Jake’s tale as well as his tail!
Posted on: 16/01/2012)
3 Item(s)
Review summary for Jake Monkey-Tail Spelling Book
| Total review votes: 3 | Total number of reviews: 3 |
Help others and add your review below
Delivery
Orders placed before 15:00 will be dispatched the same day. Due to the number of heavy items we sell, our postage is calculated on the total weight of your basket at the following rates:
UK
Free delivery on all orders over £150.00!
| Second Class (2-5 working days) | First Class (1-2 working days) | Next Day Special Delivery |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| 0KG - 0.5KG | £2.50 | £3.00 | £5.50 |
| 0.5KG - 1.0KG | £3.00 | £3.50 | £6.50 |
| First Class (1-2 working days) | ParcelForce (48 hours) | Next Day Delivery |
|
| 1.0KG - 1.5KG | £4.00 | £7.00 | £7.50 |
| 1.5KG - 2.0KG | £8.50 | £7.00 | £10.00 |
| OVER 2.0KG | £9.00 | £7.00 | £01.00 |
For an exact quote please visit your basket.
Returns
If your item does is not quite what you expected or is unsuitable for any other reason, we will happily take it back and refund your money but may have to charge additional postage. Any items returned to us must be in re-saleable condition. If an item is faulty we will of course replace it or refund your money if a replacement is unavailable. Please note that items that are damaged as a result of wear and tear are not considered faulty. All faulty items must be returned to The Dyslexia Shop in the same condition as when it left our depot, in it’s original and undamaged packaging.
We cannot take responsibility for returned items lost without proof of delivery and the item is your responsibility until it reaches us.
Online Credit / Debit Card & PayPal
The Dyslexia Shop accepts the following payment methods:
Schools and Public Sector Organisations
Schools and Public Sector Organisations can also select to pay by invoice during checkout.
Need Advice?
Telephone:
01394 671 818
Customer services are open
Monday - Friday
10:00 - 16:00
Delivery/Returns
Free delivery on all orders over £150.00 in the UK. From £2.50 on all other orders.
No fuss exchange & returns policy...
Add your comment below and be entered into our monthly draw for the chance to win a £10 voucher.