Have a Go

Key Words with Peter and Jane #2b

by W. Murray

"Key Words with Peter and Jane" uses the most frequently met words in the English language as a starting point for learning to read successfully and confidently. The Key Words reading scheme is scientifically researched and world renowned. "Book 2b" is all about the things Peter and Jane like, and introduces 27 new words including 'you', 'want', 'look' and 'jump'. Once this book has been completed, the child moves on to book "3b". "The Key Words with Peter and Jane" books work because each of the key words is introduced gradually and repeated frequently. This builds confidence in children when they recognise these key words on sight (also known as the 'look and say' method of learning). Examples of key words are: the, one, two, he. There are 12 levels, each with 3 books: a, b, and c. "Series a": gradually introduces new words. "Series b": provides further practise of words featured in the 'a' series. "Series c": links reading with writing and phonics. All the words that have been introduced in each 'a' and 'b' book are also reinforced in the 'c' books.

Genres: Childrens

56 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 2009

About the author

William Murray was an educational adviser at a borstal and later headmaster of a "school for the educationally subnormal" in Cheltenham. From research undertaken in the 1950s by Murray with Professor Joe McNally, an educational psychologist at Manchester University, Murray realised that only 12 words account for ¼, 100 words account for ½, and 300 words account for ¾ of the words used in normal speaking, reading and writing in the English language.

He developed 'The Key Words Reading Scheme,' a series of 36 English language early readers children's books, published by the British publishing company, Ladybird Books.

Starting with book 1a, a budding reader of primary school age, from 3 to 5 year old, is introduced to brother and sister Peter and Jane, their dog Pat, their Mummy and Daddy, and their home, toys, playground, the beach, shops, buses and trains, and so on. (wiki)

Reviews

[Dane Cobain · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the concept here, because it’s all about teaching kids to read via repetition. A cool little Ladybird book with some interesting stats and facts on how words are used. Fun!

[Kylie Abecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

I remember this book got me into a lot of trouble when I was learning to read. Back then we were learning by the ‘see and say’ method. I didn’t know how to read, I just memorised the books. When I was reading this book to my mum I accidentally turned two pages instead of one and I kept rambling on with the story until I turned the last page and realised my mistake. After that my mum taught me to read at home by using the ‘sound-it-out’ method. In a way I’m glad that this book alerted my mother to my lack of ability to read, because if she hadn’t I likely wouldn’t be able to enjoy reading the way I do today, and considering my body has deteriorated drastically and reading is my world, I can imagine I would be a very sad and lonely being today if it hadn’t been for this book having sticky pages.

[Muhammad Imran · Rating 3 out of 5]

i read this book

[Em · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really fun and super cute little books for young kids learning to read.