A.C.E. Reading Systems Explanation Sheet

A.C.E. has two programmes for children who do not know how to read.

1. "Preschool with Ace and Christi" also known as Reading Readiness.
2. "ABCs of A.C.E." also known as Learning to Read.

Reading Readiness

This programme is also called "Preschool with Ace and Christi" but the term 'pre-school' can be confusing in New Zealand. Most schools in NZ using the A.B.C.'s curriculum use the Reading Readiness programme for their New Entrants students. It incorporates the use of 60 student PACEs covering the five core subjects and has sufficient activities for one year. The PACEs are filled with animal pictures, activities and full-colour picture stories encouraging your child to want to read. He will also learn social skills, the wonders of God's world, and the reality of God's love. It is an excellent preparation for the Learning to Read programme.

ABCs of A.C.E.

The "Learning to Read" Programme lasts about 12-14 weeks and incorporates 12 PACEs i.e. Word Building PACEs 1 - 12. It is a multi-sensory, phonetic learning-to- read programme, designed to prepare a child for the individualized instruction of the A.C.E. PACEs. There are cartoon animal, songs and stories. These features help him learn letter sounds alphabet sequence and word relationships. Your child is helped in his physical and character development through poems, displays, and various activities.

This programme needs to be followed by the "Advanced Lessons" which is a 2 to 3 week course on blends. Children should not start the ABCs of A.C.E. "Learning to Read" programme until they can achieve 90% on a Reading Readiness Test.

NB: The Training Manual says 80% but advice from USA and experience has shown that 90% is really needed.

Both programmes have easy to follow daily instructional manuals. Four volumes are available for the Reading Readiness programme and two volumes for the ABCs of A.C.E. Along with the outline of daily procedures each volume is full of activities, ideas and pictures that can be photocopied.

Parents need to complete the "Reading Systems" Training PACE before starting either of these programmes.

Reading Readiness Test

This is a test to determine if a child is mature enough to start the ABCs programme. Children should not start the ABCs of A.C.E. "Learning to Read" programme until they can achieve 90% on a Reading Readiness Test. Until then, they should remain on the Reading Readiness programme.

Acquiring Your Kit

Parents will need to either:

1. Purchase a new kit from Australia. Prices and details enclosed. If you have to purchase a kit there is a good resale value after you have finished with it.
2. Purchase a second-hand kit (if available).
3. Borrow from a friend.
4. Hire from H.E.N.Z. (if available) - $30 per manual plus postage.