McM LITERACY PROGRAM

It has been said, “When children aren’t learning the way we teach, we must teach the way children learn”. Here is a Literacy Program that does!

The McM Literacy: “Making Sense of the Alphabet” Program is a one-of-a-kind literacy approach that comes with lots of laughter, joy and excitement. This program is an explicit systematic phonic-based approach that instructs children, beginning with the alphabet and moves quickly towards basic reading and writing skills. It is part one of a full scope literacy curriculum. 

“Making Sense of the Alphabet” addresses various learning differences including dyslexia and is easily adaptable to teaching English as a second language. It is a fast-paced, multi-modal program that uses inter-related creative techniques. This course was literally built for children to answer perennial questions addressing their conceptual needs. The program activates long-term memory by combining and interrelating various imaginative and creative learning modalities such as:

• Emotional Empathy
• Associative Learning
• Imagination
•  Artistic/Creative Input 
•  Bizarre Imagery 
•  Rhythm and Music 

The BASIC CONCEPTS section of the program imparts a solid foundation for other ideas to build upon as the program develops. It examines many basic assumptions of alphabet-based knowledge. You will see how this all fits together in the BASICS CONCEPTS VIDEO below.   

The LETTER LESSONS are fun and yet purposeful in terms of learning. Many modalities are used and interconnected. The learning objectives of this program are:

• Differentiate names from sound of letters
• Properly pronounce the letters sounds
• Cues for name, sound and letter and sound formations
• Names of the letters
• Match upper and lower cases
• Sounds of the letters
• Directionality of letter formation, reading and writing
• Write the letters
• Analyze asymmetrical letters
• Know about the vowels
• How to correctly hold a pencil
• Begin to spell, write and read, single syllable short vowel words

In the video demo’s below, the letters transform into imaginative, unusual creatures keeping to their shape. The stories offer reasons why the letters look and sound the way they do.

The McM “People Line” cueing technique explained in the Basic Concept video is a priceless tool, especially for those with dyslexia. It assists with letter formations and illustrates the direction in which to read, write and spell.  The “People Line” is used with every letter lesson. This fun approach to learning is not only entertaining to watch but is purposeful in learning methodology. You will see how this is demonstrated in the LETTER “Aa” LESSON VIDEO below.   

As the lessons progress, information builds upon itself within the program to communicate various levels of understanding, as demonstrated in the Basic Concepts video. The letter cases are seen as family units. The capital letter represents the parent. The lowercase letter is seen as the child. The letter cases are connected by appearance or related by circumstance. You can see how this works in the LETTER “Bb” LESSON VIDEO below.  

In the letters that commonly use multiple sounds (C, G, Q, Y, and X), their letter stories give reasons for why the different sounds are used and when.  You will see how that is achieved in the LETTER “Cc” LESSON VIDEO below.  

By now you have probably noticed that the letter creatures and tunes linger in your head. This is because the program intertwines numerous modalities such as:

• Unusual imagery
• Storytelling
•  Rhythm and singsong phrases 
•  Cueing systems 
•  Associative learning 
• Drawing
• Color-coding
• Role-playing
• Music
•  Animation and colorful graphics 

The McM Program has been intentionally designed to activate the long-term memory and to increase learning retention throughout the program. This demonstrates the true power of the McM Literacy Program!

“When learning is fun, a lot of learning gets done!” – LaVerne McGrath 

The EXERCISE SECTIONS will follow every letter lesson. Videos of real children will model how to exercise information imparted in the lessons. They guide the way to effectively use the special McM Cueing System for names, sounds, sound formation and writing. This shows instructors and/or parents ways to implement the information in classrooms and/or homes. It also gives a child exposure to the lesson information being applied. The EXERCISES will include:

• Role-playing
• Signing
• Cueing techniques
• Multi-sound application
• Reading application
• Spelling application

The REVIEW SECTIONS come intermittently between letters lessons and exercises. The review sections ensure information is retained and supplemented by going over the basic concepts and the letters’ sounds once again. Many other extremely important strands of information such as blending methods, vowel and syllable introductions and applications are reviewed.

The video component of the “BIRD BEAK PINCH” will be incorporated into one of the review sections. It ensures that students are optimally holding their writing instruments as they strengthen their motor skills while learning to write the letters and spell words. You can experience the “BIRD BEAK PINCH” VIDEO below. 

 OUR TEAM: 

LaVerne McGrath – Creator (Text and Illustrator) of the full McM Literacy Curriculum. She has college Degrees in Art, Communication, Business and has a B.A. in Education and Graduate Studies from Arizona State University. LaVerne lives in Richland, Washington, USA.

Kay S. Matthis – Colorist, Editor, Audio and Video Director for the McM Literacy “Making Sense of the Alphabet” Program. She has a B.S. in Film and Television  Production from Montana State University. Kay lives in Spokane, Washington, USA.

Gene Colburn – Owner/Engineer of Station 3 Media in Spokane, Washington. He is also part sponsor for this Kickstarter Campaign. Gene lives in Spokane, Washington, USA.

GOAL: To complete the McM Literacy, “Making Sense of the Alphabet” Program. This includes the Lessons, Exercises and Reviews with animated video sections and accompanying Practice/Coloring Book. The creature illustrations from the letter lessons video’s are mirrored in the students workbooks so that the images and stories are reinforced.

VISION: Prevention of literacy crisis begins with adapting teaching approaches to better fit the learning needs of the students. Strengthening skill sets of children entering school and filling in the literacy gaps for those falling behind are the goals. Literacy is an important gift to be shared by all.

MISSION: To provide an affordable, accessible, effective literacy program so that all various learning types, including students with dyslexia and attention issues, can excel. 

BUSINESS MODEL:  Website subscription will be based on delivery adaptable for Desktop, Tablet or Cell Phone and marketed through email campaigns, social media, and other media outlets.

For Individuals: Book purchase and access to the program will be available for purchase through our website.

For Organizations: Options will be available to purchase a Licensing Fee, sets of books, or program access through our website. Additional materials, lessons, communication and information will also be available through downloading and ordering linked ordering.

MARKET: Homeschooling parents, daycare centers, preschools, kindergarten, tutoring centers, private and charter schools.

TARGET AUDIENCE: Students entering school and those with any gaps in their literacy foundations, largely three to nine-year-old children. These years are critical in the formation of literacy skills!

 Testimonials from actual users: