A half-hour cartoon-graphic video summary of learning to read and spell to watch at home

Many learners fail in reading at the very start. Special help can come too late. Others stumble further on.
All learners do not benefit from classroom teaching alone.

This innovation is an aid to help prevent gaps and confusions, as well as to help clear them up. It summarises what it helps to know, for learners to watch any time they like, free online, or downloadable as a DVD. A DVD could be borrowed from libraries and at school. Teachers can find it handy too.
Anyone can make one, but an example is at http://w.w.w.ozreadandspell.com.au

In half an hour it applies all current methods, shows the alphabet, sounds and letters, reading words and songs, explains why spelling can be difficult and ways to cope, where spellings come from, and how to put clues together to read what you want to read. Viewers say and sing-along along with the words and songs to help the learning, and re-watch what they still need to understand.
A checklist shows what you know already, what you find out, and what you still need to learn.

This aid is not a panacea for everyone, but everyone learns something they did not know already – even if they don’t like the music. For some learners, who need a summary like this, and need the summaries of common words, of spelling, of letters, of letters and sounds, it is a life-saver.
It is NOT designed for groups or classes. It is designed for private self-help for individuals and teachers. Then teachers can enjoy real teaching when students are not failing in reading.
The video is on the website www.ozreadandspell.com.au plus further information. The website http://home.vicnet.net.au/ozideas/literacy set out the content of the video as twenty single lessons, and gives more information and the research basis.

Schools could make their own versions with everyone taking part, including artists and failing learners.
Versions could be made targeted for different ages and needs.
This experimental version is for any age, including adults. I would like a version for Australian aboriginal culture – Dreamtime Dillybag!
This innovation is still unique, and full of surprises. It is not the usual, so it can get round some learners’ emotional blocks. Have a laugh!
It is all Creative Commons Copyright, unfunded, and with the aim that literacy should be free to everyone, anywhere, any time. ABC GO!