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Why Phonics?

For quite a number of years, public school systems across the nation taught students how to read using a method known as “Whole Language.”  Essentially, this method stressed the importance of guessing, memorizing, substituting and trying to predict words as students tried to read them in sentences.  As reading scores began to plummet, approaches known as “whole word” or the “look-and-say” method were progressively deemed ineffective by many reading experts and scholars, creating negative consequences for many children. 

The cost of illiteracy, due to poor approaches in education and other factors, is significant.  People who cannot read proficiently suffer in so many areas in life.  Children who struggle with reading early in their schooling often have problems throughout their educational lives, with many children dropping out from school, later, as teens.  Adults who are not proficient readers frequently cannot read medical labels, basic instructions, bus schedules, everyday forms and even employment applications. Bleak futures await individuals who cannot read, as do lower incomes and higher rates of crime.  The statistics regarding those who are illiterate in today’s society are grim. 

Many educators who finally realized that there was a growing crisis of illiteracy (in part, due to the use of a whole-language approach to reading instruction) turned to a more time-tested and effective method of learning to read known as phonics.  Teaching phonics-based reading doesn’t need to be complicated, boring or difficult.  It also doesn’t need to be costly, or limited to children whose families can afford the high cost of some familiar (or mediocre) reading programs that have long been on the market. 

Learning to read with phonics can be fun, animated, energized and impactful.  Phonics methodologies utilize step-by-step strategies that teach a reader how to decode syllables and sounds and to apply simple, basic rules that enable an individual to logically apply the rules – to simple and complex words alike.  A solid foundation in phonics also builds skills in spelling.  Letter and sound patterns eliminate guessing and mistakes.

Expeditions to Excellence is a new, exciting and affordable phonics-based reading system.  It is highly effective, and most of all, it is fun and easy to use!  It was initially inspired by the need of Gary and Victoria Beck to teach their son to read, even though their son’s learning challenges made the process more difficult than normal.  Reading instruction for children with learning differences often involved using a whole-language method, relying heavily on sight words and memorization.  The Becks were fundamentally opposed to teaching their son to read by relying on sight words and utilizing memory.  All of the credible research indicated that children who learned to read well, using a phonics-based method, outperformed their peers in many ways.  Since there was no phonics-based program on the market that seemed to incorporate the kind of complete, fun, affordable and multi-sensory approach for which they were looking, they created a program of their own.  It became Expeditions to Excellence. 

Expeditions to Excellence doesn’t re-invent the science of phonics-based reading.  It makes phonics accessible to every child who needs to learn to read, at a price that is within reach for anyone.  The Becks have a passion to promote literacy among ALL children.  Whether a child is academically gifted, developmentally challenged, or has unique learning differences, the Expeditions to Excellence system is considered by many to be the most comprehensive, fun and effective reading program available today.  

Try it today.  It’s affordable.  It’s fun.  It’s highly effective.  It’s proven. 

Can Expeditions to Excellence be viewed or used on an iPad or other electronic device?

Yes!  Expeditions to Excellence can be used with any MAC or PC system, including an iPad or other tablet products.  In fact, many Tour Guides, prefer not to print out many of the program materials, opting instead to use an iPad from which to teach the lessons.  Expeditions to Excellence can travel with you and your child wherever you go, across places and teaching settings.

For what ages is Expeditions to Excellence appropriate? 

Many children can begin using Expeditions to Excellence at 3 years of age or younger.  Naturally, making sure that a child is developmentally ready for any type of educational and academic material is important.  All children are different and are ready to learn at different ages. Children progress at different rates. Some learn visually, some learn better with shorter sessions, some learners love music and board games the most.   The first eight expeditions in the Expeditions to Excellence system provide essential foundational concepts, including letter identification, matching letters, the sounds of the letters and important letter blending skills.  In addition, thirteen entertaining, enjoyable and educational readiness songs are appropriate for even the youngest learners.  Through vocal, instrumental, piano accompaniment and video formats, our songs not only teach phonetic concepts, but impart developmental readiness concepts as well.  Themes such as the months of the year, the days of the week, weather and shapes are introduced.  There’s even a song to teach a child how to discuss their name, address and phone number.

The total age range for the Expeditions to Excellence reading system generally includes children up until age twelve.  Expeditions to Excellence is the preferred choice of many parents and teachers of children who are academically advanced, developmentally on track or who may have a different learning style or are developmentally challenged.   What a great value for ANYONE who wants to learn to read and have fun while doing it!

Can the music or the videos be downloaded?

The music featured within the various expeditions on the safari can be purchased at www.iTunes.com.  The music can also be accessed within each individual expedition. Many of our Tour Guides like to use the music and the piano accompaniment for classroom performances.  It is for these reasons that we offer the music and videos in various ways.  The videos (designed from the music) are also available on the Treehouse page.  Here, the learner can enjoy the music to all of the songs, while watching or reviewing any of the videos.  Children love the tunes and Tour Guides love the music as well as the educational value! 

Is Expeditions to Excellence a sole source vendor?

Expeditions to Excellence is a product of New Destiny Educational Products, LLC, the sole source and holder of all copyrights, trademarks and other intellectual property of Expeditions to Excellence.

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