This 141-page book is a readable, practical overview of the sounds of the English language and their representations in print. It describes how to help beginning readers decode words in print by learning their phonic structure. It contains specific examples of teaching tools and strategies for developing decoding skills, including sample worksheets and memory-aid pictures. The chapter on "phonemic awareness"--the ability to recognize and use the separate sounds that make up our spoken language--and the comprehensive appendix of prefixes and suffixes make this book a valuable reference for any teacher of reading. It is also the cornerstone of Concept Phonics, Dr. Fischer's highly successful multisensory program for teaching reading-decoding and spelling to students of any age.